Justice for Caleigha Zangari: Rescue Hill Calls for Action to Protect Victims of Human Trafficking

DALLAS, Feb. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rescue Hill, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and providing safe spaces and innovative options for victims of human trafficking through advocacy, strategic partnerships, and survivor-centered care, urges action to support and protect victims of human trafficking such as Caleigha Zangari.

On February 4, 2025, justice was served for Caleigha Zangari when her murderer, Naasan Hazzard, was found guilty by a jury of his peers. The Homeland Security Investigation North Texas Trafficking Task Force tirelessly worked side by side with the U.S. Attorney's office to make sure that Caleigha's murder did not get swept under the rug, and that justice for this horrific crime was served. However, justice came too late. Caleigha's story is a tragic and all-too-common example of the devastating impact of human trafficking, compounded by a lack of resources and advocacy for vulnerable women in crisis.

Caleigha Zangari was a victim, but there was so much more to her. Caleigha was a mother, a U.S. Army veteran who served in Afghanistan, and a loyal friend. Like many veterans, she faced unrelenting challenges after returning home, including trauma from military service and sexual assault. Struggling to rebuild her life, she was lured into a relationship with a sex trafficker who exploited her vulnerability. Even after breaking free and working to support herself and her child, Caleigha faced ongoing financial and emotional hardships that led her back into commercial sex work.

On August 15, 2024, Caleigha traveled to Dallas, Texas in search of financial stability. That night, she was picked up from a local Dallas business by Naasan Hazzard for what she believed would be a routine commercial sex date. Instead, she was kidnapped, murdered, and left in the woods, discarded by a man with a history of violence.

A Preventable Tragedy

"What happened to Caleigha is a heartbreaking reminder that so many women lack access to the support systems they desperately need," said Amanda Pettit, Founder of Rescue Hill. "Caleigha didn't have an advocate. She didn't know about Rescue Hill. If she had, she might still be alive."

Every month, an estimated 85,000 online sex ads are posted in the Dallas-Fort Worth area alone. Behind each ad is a woman with a story. Many of these women are victims of coercion and trafficking. Without intervention, their paths may end in tragedy, just like Caleigha's.

Rescue Hill's Mission: Providing a Way Out

Rescue Hill is committed to changing these outcomes. The organization works to intervene, advocate, and provide life-changing options to trafficking victims, meeting them exactly where they are and walking with them toward stability and healing.

"We believe no woman should have to navigate this alone," Pettit continued. "We must stand in the gap for them, before it's too late."

Take Action Today

Rescue Hill is calling on the DFW community to join the fight against human trafficking by supporting advocacy efforts, funding victim services, and spreading awareness.

To learn more or contribute to Rescue Hill's mission, visit www.rescuehill.org or contact:

Media Contact:
Hannah Walker
Director of Development and Finance, Rescue Hill
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (940) 224-5133
Website: www.rescuehill.org

SOURCE Rescue Hill NCMC