The latest update in the case of William Thomas Zeigler (79) is that the defense has filed a motion to vacate his conviction.
Zeigler has been on death row since July 2, 1976.
“WESH 2 Investigates in January was the first to reveal results of his latest round of DNA testing, authorized by a ninth circuit Judge in December 2022. The testing was done at a California lab.”
The test results support what the defense team has said for decades: IF Zeigler had been the murderer, the victims’ DNA should have been all over him, his glasses, his clothes, etc.
Perry Edwards was beaten to death. At such close range, Zeigler would have had Edwards’ blood on him. If he had shot his mother-in-law and wife, he would have had gun residue on his person. None were found.
At trial, the jury had a hard time coming to a verdict. One juror, Irma Brickle, who thought Zeigler was innocent, was bullied, pressured to vote guilty. The pressure the others put on her resulted in the judge “arranging she be prescribed Valium, an anxiety medication.”
When finally the jury returned to the court room, they recommended life imprisonment. The judge overruled them and sentenced Zeigler to death.
The motion to vacate includes “granting Zeigler such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper” according to the filing. As soon as a hearing date is set I will update this post and the database.
Tip:
If you wish to read up on this old case, I recommend starting with Phillip Finch’s book to get the original narrative and timeline of the case. Then, check my posts in order. I know there are many but they cover the appeals trial and court hearings in chronological order.