The murder trial concerning the 2018 death of Ashley Tucker in Joliet has experienced another delay due to a defense motion for a continuance. On Wednesday, attorney Chuck Bretz successfully filed an oral motion in the case against Peter Zabala, a 49-year-old sex offender who has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with Tucker’s death for more than seven years.
The court has now set the next status hearing for January 28, with the jury trial postponed until March 2, as confirmed by the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office. This development comes after Zabala chose to reject a plea offer from the prosecution just a day prior, although specifics of that proposal remain undisclosed.
The background of the case involves the tragic disappearance of 25-year-old Ashley Tucker on October 14, 2018. Her charred remains were ultimately discovered on October 26, 2018, concealed in a barrel located in a Lockport Township backyard.
In a previous court hearing, attorney Bretz characterized the evidence against Zabala as “extremely sketchy.” He highlighted that a forensic pathologist was unable to ascertain the exact cause of Tucker’s death and noted that there were no witnesses who could testify to seeing his client discard her body in a barrel.
Conversely, Assistant State’s Attorney Michael Fitzgerald presented significant evidence during the same hearing, stating that Tucker’s blood was located in two vehicles associated with Zabala, including a Ford Thunderbird. Fitzgerald indicated that forensic analysis confirmed blood found in the trunk of the Thunderbird belonged to Tucker.
The ongoing legal struggles underscore the complexities of bringing justice in this case, and as it continues through the judicial process, both sides await further developments in the lead-up to the rescheduled trial date. The hope remains that the truth will prevail, bringing closure to Tucker’s family and the community.