New Confession Emerges In Vanzandt Case

DAYTON - Judge William Acey decided last Thursday that despite a full confession from a third party to a burglary of a Dayton home in which knives and guns were taken, Eric Vanzandt, the man charged with the crime, should still be held in Columbia County Jail because of other assault and malicious mischief charges.

VanZandt was arrested on a warrant from Walla Walla County after a neighbor reported a fight at VanZandt's residence at 1531 S. Second St., just before 4 a.m. on Jan. 29.

After he was arrested, his home was searched and weapons reported missing in a previous burglary were found in his home. As a result of this discovery, Van- Zandt was charged with seconddegree burglary, three counts of first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm (VanZandt is already a convicted felon), three counts of theft of a firearm, three counts of possession of a stolen firearm and second-degree possession of stolen property.

The charges include 10 Class B felonies, which carry a maximum of 10 years in prison and/ or a $20,000 fine each in the state of Washington, and two Class C felonies, which each carry a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine. The bail for VanZandt has been set at $75,000.

Last Thursday, Vanzandt plead not guilty to all charges. Prosecuting Attorney Rea Culwell said for his trial, he may be tried with a co-defendant who recently made a full confession to committing the burglary Vanzandt is charged with. Culwell said the confession is suspect and the confessor seems to have some kind of close relationship with Vanzandt, and has been referred to as his brother.

Culwell said the confession is conveniently tailored time-wise and "quite precarious."

Vanzandt's attorney argued that because a confession has been made, the judge should let Vanzandt return to live with his parents.

Culwell said she doubts the burglary was committed by the confessor alone, because Vanzandt certainly had the motive and opportunity. The police are still investigating the crime using fingerprints, taped jail conversations and statements from witnesses, she said. Culwell asked that he remain in custody "to ensure the safety of the community." She added he has past convictions including dangerous weapons violations, theft, assault, malicious mischief and criminal trespass.

Acey said because Vanzandt still had four serious firearmrelated offenses, he also had concerns about community safety. He said Vanzandt will remain in custody, but lowered bail from $75,000 to $25,000. A no-contact order for direct or indirect communication with the confessor was also issued.