FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NICHOLAS PLAZA CONVICTION UPHELD

San Antonio, Texas:  Today the 4th Court of Appeals upheld the conviction and 67 year sentence obtained against Ruben Zavala, now age 35. Zavala was convicted of Injury to a Child involving the abuse of young Nicholas Plaza, then age 5, whose body has never been found.

Zavala was the boyfriend of Nicholas Plaza’s mother. In August 2001, Nicholas and his mother moved into Zavala’s home and were living with Zavala and his parents when the crime occurred. The evidence revealed that family members began to notice soon thereafter that Nicolas was suffering various injuries. On October 23, 2001, Nicholas disappeared. Subsequently, Zavala gave interviews stating that the boy had died and that Zavala had disposed of the body in a trash dumpster.

Investigation of the case was hampered by the fact that Nicholas’ body was never found. Ultimately, the police filed a case against Zavala in May of 2005. After additional investigation by the District Attorney’s Office, District Attorney Susan Reed decided to proceed on an Injury to a Child charge against Zavala, which carries the same punishment level as a Murder, a first degree felony. The trial began on July 10, 2007 in the 175th District Court, Judge Mary Roman presiding. On July 17, 2007, the jury returned a verdict of guilty and assessed a sixty-seven (67) year prison sentence.

"After more than seven long years, Nicholas Plaza may rest in peace secure in the knowledge that his abuser has been caught and punished. Those who victimize children should know that law enforcement will not rest until they are brought to justice," said District Attorney Susan Reed.

For more information contact Susan Reed, Criminal District Attorney, at (210) 335-2342.