Peter Zabala Charged With Ashley Tucker's Murder

JOLIET, IL - Less than three weeks after 25-year-old Ashley Tucker vanished from Joliet on a Saturday night, the Joliet Police Department announced Friday evening that three counts of first-degree murder were filed against Peter Zabala, a dangerous sexual predator.

The investigation into Tucker's disappearance was spearheaded by detective Tizoc Landeros. Zabala, 42, who has been in custody on unrelated charges of being an unregistered sex offender, is now facing formal murder charges and two counts of concealment of a homicide.

"I can’t even begin to describe the diligence and work ethic every member of the Investigations Division has exhibited in working this case," Joliet Police Chief Al Roechner said in a press statement. "This is just one of the many examples of the dedication of purpose all of our members have in serving our city. We will be meeting with the family of Ashley Tucker this evening, so they understand the process and what will transpire in the coming days."

Roechner was very proud of the work put forth by members of Joliet's investigations unit in finding Tucker's hidden body and in building a case against Zabala, who police have previously said went into hiding and absolutely refused to cooperate with the police.

About a week ago, Joliet Police found the missing woman's remains at the bottom of a burn barrel located behind a house in Lockport Township.

Police have said that Zalaba and Tucker knew each other and that he was the last person to be with her prior to her disappearance from the Ridgewood area of Joliet's east side.

"This case has touched every member of the department that has dedicated time and effort to solving what began as a mystery. Our hearts go out to the family and our mission from day one was to help them attain some semblance of closure, knowing that nothing prepares you for this kind of tragedy. We will continue to work with the members of the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office, until Peter Zabala is prosecuted to the fullest extent," Joliet's interim chief of police said.

Mugshot of Peter Zabala via Will County Sheriff