Zapata killer's dad gun photos released

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) - 24 Hour News 8 has obtained photographs of the evidence found against the father of a man who shot and killed a Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officer in last year.

The office of US Attorney Patrick Miles released the pictures of the long guns that were inside the Kalamazoo home of Kim Robert Statler Sr. on the night of April 18, 2011.

Statler was in Florida at the time, but one of his sons -- Kim Statler II -- lived there and his other son, Leonard Statler, lived across the street.

Both Statler sons were convicted felons but still had access to the guns.

Leonard Statler first shot a handgun outside the Hays Park Avenue home. KDPS Officer Eric Zapata responded to the scene. Leonard then fired an SKS assault rifle, killing Zapata before turning the gun and killing himself.

Statler Sr. was facing a maximum of 10 years in prison, but in May 2012 he agreed to a deal with prosecutors and pleaded guilty to disposing of firearms to a felon and will serve no more than two years in prison. Under sentencing guidelines, Miles computed an advisory sentence of 18 to 24 months.

Miles also released a statement saying, "This was a preventable tragedy. It would not have happened but for access to the guns that defendant Statler left in the custody of his sons. There is nothing this court or anyone else can do to bring back the lives of officer Zapata and Leonard Statler, and the defendant will have to live with that responsibility for the rest of his life."

Final sentencing is now in the hands of the judge, which is scheduled for Aug. 30.

Kim Statler II, is currently serving four years for a felon in possession of a firearm conviction.