DALLAS, TX – A federal jury has handed down a conviction in a chilling case that began in the heart of Dallas and ended in tragedy in the woods of East Texas. Nissan Hazard, a 28-year-old truck driver from Austin, faces life behind bars after being found guilty of kidnapping and murdering a young woman, shedding light on the grim realities faced by victims of human trafficking.
The victim, identified as Kaliyah Zangari, was a 25-year-old Army veteran and a new mother from San Diego, California. Her journey to Texas was meant to be a visit to her child’s father’s family, but she never returned. Concerned, her family reported her missing, prompting law enforcement to trace her vehicle to Dallas, where her body was eventually discovered.
Zangari’s tragic story underscores the perilous world of sex trafficking. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, Zangari had been posting online sex ads in Dallas leading up to her disappearance. Hazard reportedly exchanged numerous messages with her, culminating in a meeting on August 15th, as captured by surveillance footage. It showed Zangari entering Hazard’s truck, but no footage ever surfaced showing her exit.
Amanda Pettit, executive director of Rescue Hill, a nonprofit aiding trafficking victims, highlighted the dangers faced by those caught in this cycle. The pickup reportedly took place in a notorious part of Dallas known for prostitution. Pettit emphasized the humanity of these women, stressing that they are often unseen victims of violence.
The investigation revealed that Hazard’s and Zangari’s phones were in the same vicinity until her phone was abruptly turned off. It was later found abandoned on the side of a freeway. Hazard’s phone was tracked to Pittsburg, Texas, where Zangari’s remains were discovered. Investigators noted bleach stains on Hazard’s clothing, suggesting an attempt to erase evidence.
Despite the conviction, the Department of Justice has not disclosed the specific cause of Zangari’s death. Pettit lamented the harsh realities faced by many trafficking victims, stating that violence is an all-too-common part of their lives.
Hazard’s conviction carries an automatic life sentence, marking the end of a case that has drawn attention to the ongoing struggles faced by trafficking victims and the violence that often shadows their lives.