Justice for Caleigha Zangari: Rescue Hill Highlights Urgent Need for Continued Anti-Trafficking Efforts

Life Sentence Rendered in Kidnapping Leading to Death Case

DALLAS, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rescue Hill, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and providing safe spaces and innovative options for victims of human trafficking, urges action to support and protect victims of human trafficking in light of today's events. Today, Naassan Hazzard was sentenced to life in prison for the kidnapping leading to the death of 27-year-old Caleigha Zangari, a mother, veteran, and victim of human trafficking. 

Evidence presented at Hazzard's federal trial included surveillance footage capturing Caleigha entering Hazzard's semi-truck in Dallas at 9:27 p.m. on August 15, 2023, the last time she was seen alive. Eight days later, authorities discovered her body in a wooded area near Texas Highway 11 in Pittsburg, Texas, with a black plastic bag tied around her head. Cell phone records placed Hazzard at the crime scene and revealed extensive steps he took afterward to evade authorities. These actions included switching phones, deleting tracking apps, bleaching his truck, and researching sentencing guidelines for murder online. Investigators later found Caleigha's shattered phone discarded along Hazzard's route.

"Hazzard's sentencing sends a clear message that perpetrators will be held accountable, and survivors will not be forgotten," said Amanda Pettit, Executive Director of Rescue Hill. "Justice for Caleigha strengthens our resolve to reach and support every person impacted by trafficking."

Caleigha Zangari was more than a statistic. She proudly served our country, cherished motherhood, and like many others, fell through systemic cracks into exploitation. Her tragic story underscores the very real human cost of trafficking.

In response, Rescue Hill is urgently expanding initiatives to proactively reach trafficking victims. Our commitment is to ensure no person feels trapped, unseen, or beyond help.

About Rescue Hill:
Rescue Hill is dedicated to combating human trafficking through intervention, survivor advocacy, and community outreach. We provide pathways to healing for victims and advocate for systemic change to prevent trafficking. Learn more at rescuehill.org.

For media inquiries, photos of Rescue Hill's advocacy team, or additional case background and information:
Amanda Pettit, Executive Director
(682) 404-7894
[email protected] 

SOURCE Rescue Hill NCMC