Parole Hearing for Convict in 1986 Galveston-Area Abduction

Galveston County authorities say they'll oppose possible parole of one of two men sentenced to life in prison for the abduction of a 19-year-old Texas City woman more than 30 years ago.

Gerald Zwarst goes before a parole board later this month. He's already been denied release twice, in 2007 and again in 2012.

The 63-year-old Zwarst and John Robert King were convicted in the May 1986 disappearance of Shelley Sikes. Her abandoned car was found along I-45 between Galveston, where she worked as a waitress, and her home in Texas City. Her body never has been found.

Former District Attorney Mike Guarino tells The Galveston County Daily News both men at times were offered immunity from a murder charge but refused to cooperate.

King died in prison in 2015.

Copyright The Associated Press
Contact Us