Zapata killer's dad sentenced on guns

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) - Kim Robert Statler, whose guns were used by his son to kill Kalamazoo Officer Eric Zapata, was sentenced to four years probation for allowing his felon-son to have access to the weapons.

Statler Sr. was facing a maximum of 10 years in prison, but in May 2012 agreed to a deal with prosecutors and pleaded guilty to disposing of firearms to a felon. The deal called for him to serve no more than two years in prison, but Judge Robert J. Jonker imposed probation instead.

Statler was also ordered to perform 300 hours of community service.

At the time of the Zapata shooting, Statler was in Florida. But his son, Kim Statler II, lived at his house 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.

Kim Statler II was sentenced last year to four years in federal prison for possessing guns that were used that day.