Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Highway Patrol, Texas
End of Watch: Monday, October 6, 1969
Age: 25
Tour of Duty: 3 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: October 6, 1969
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 99 years
Patrolman Zator was shot and killed after stopping a vehicle for a traffic violation near La Marque. The car had been stolen earlier from a hospital parking lot in Houston. Patrolman Zator was found beside his patrol car with his service revolver in his hand. One shot had been fired. Two suspects, 20 and 25, who fled on foot, were apprehended the next day at a tin smelter in Texas City. The oldest, also the gunman, had a gunshot wound in his arm.
On May 11, 1970, both were convicted of murder and each was sentenced to 99 years.
Patrolman Zator had been with the agency for three years and was stationed at La Marque.