One of the most notorious cold case murders in western Massachusetts history came to a conclusion Wednesday with a guilty plea.
Gary Schara pleaded guilty to first degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the 1992 slaying of Lisa Ziegert.
The 24-year-old teaching assistant was abducted from her part-time job at a card shop in Agawam. Her body was found in a wooded area.
Speaking in court, Dianne Ziegert recounted family weddings and births since her daughter’s life was taken.
"Since April 15, 1992 every happy occasion has a tinge of sadness," she said.
Schara, who is now 50, was arrested two years ago after Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni released an image of a possible suspect produced by advanced DNA technology, and numerous tips poured in.
