The newest DNA testing of all of the proof within the case of William Thomas Zeigler confirms what he mentioned all alongside, he didn’t kill his spouse, his parents-in-law, and he didn’t kill Charles Mays on Christmas Eve, 1975.
The article within the Tampa Bay does a wonderful job summarizing what occurred. Plus, it solutions a number of questions.
Factors to recollect on this case:
- police and prosecutorial misconduct
- failure to subtype blood (a number of the victims had the identical blood sort)
- destroying or dropping key proof that features a free tooth that may be seen within the crime scene images however does NOT belong to any of the victims together with Zeigler
- inappropriate habits from the unique choose who advised a health care provider to prescribe Valium to holdout juror Irma Brickle who solely then voted to convict
- the report of the primary officer on the scene that exhibits Zeigler mentioned he was shot by Mays
The DNA testing ties Mays to the Edwards Household. It’s a fascinating half to learn. The crown jewel: “Lab analysts had examined Zeigler’s corduroy shirt in 18 spots, together with the cuffs, the collar, the back and front, and turned up no blood from his murdered family. His glasses and his orange, navy and tan plaid pants additionally have been clear.”
In August 2010, I wrote my crime scene interpretation. Now mix it with the DNA outcomes. There have been at the least three assailants, Mays and two others. Learn right here intimately why I mentioned that. In brief: the 4 useless our bodies had all been handled in another way.
Three folks have been shot by a killer who didn’t care in the event that they left traces whereas round one useless physique somebody cleaned up. If one particular person was answerable for all 4 killings, why would that particular person trouble to wash up round one useless physique however not across the others? Right here’s why.
After the wrestle with Zeigler, Mays was killed. That’s what Zeigler heard: “Mays has been hit, kill him.” This means at the least two others have been there that night time. The one ordering and one killing Mays.
Mays was butchered to demise by his accomplices who knew to wipe away their blood smears, foot prints, and so on. That’s the solely rationalization that is smart; Mays was murdered by individuals who knew what to do on a criminal offense scene.
I mentioned from the start that Eunice’s physique was moved and that the blood beneath her coat’s lapels would result in her assassin. I used to be proper.
DNA testing confirmed the spots inside her lapel have been her dad’s blood. Her husband, William Thomas Zeigler, didn’t have Perry Edwards’ blood on him. Charles Mays did. This ties in with my crime scene interpretation: Mays’ “blood and contact DNA have been present in minute quantities on the cuffs of Eunice’s herringbone jacket and on the opening of 1 pocket. This steered Mays had moved her and buttoned up her coat.”
One thriller may stay. There have been some blood spots on Mays’ shirt that don’t match any of the individuals who have been within the Zeigler furnishings retailer on Christmas Eve, 1975. To date, there aren’t any matches within the nationwide legal DNA databases. Extra data will comply with. The protection crew has filed a movement to put aside Zeigler’s conviction.
Observe:
After you learn the Tampa Bay article, do not forget that Zeigler’s protection crew is far bigger than the folks talked about in that article. My gratitude goes to:
John Houston Pope who stored me in control concerning the appeals and technique to maneuver the case ahead
Terry Hadley who has been an anker all through the years, thanks for staying in contact
Vernon Davids who was the primary lawyer who reached out to me after I nonetheless lived in Switzerland. He wished Amnesty Worldwide to choose up the case and unfold the phrase about an harmless man on demise row. He offered me with trial transcripts, experiences, and stored me posted. Relaxation in peace, expensive good friend.
and final however not least, the creator Phillip Finch who handed away in 2012. I bought in contact with him after an Amnesty colleague gave me Phil’s e-book. She mentioned that the timelines within the e-book would assist me perceive the advanced case.
Tip:
When you want to learn up on this outdated case, begin with Finch’s e-book to get the unique narrative and timeline. Then verify my posts about Zeigler so as. I do know there are numerous however they cowl the appeals trial and court docket hearings in chronological order.
And now?
Now once more we wait. However this time, we don’t simply have Zeigler’s phrase for it. We’ve got DNA to help him.
