AMER ZADA’S REQUEST TO APPEAL HIS MURDER CONVICTION FROM 1980 DENIED AGAIN BY APPELLATE COURT

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh, II, announced today that, in a decision dated July 1, 2025, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York rejected an attempt by convicted murderer Amer Zada to appeal the denial of his motion to vacate his conviction.  Earlier this year, Rockland County Court Judge Kevin F. Russo found that Zada had not offered any evidence that would justify vacating his conviction.   

Zada's application for leave to appeal was the ninth time he has sought to reverse or vacate his conviction.

In 1980, Zada was convicted of the murder of seventeen-year-old Shirley Smith in a Village of Nyack parking lot. He was also convicted of Attempted Sodomy in the First Degree and Aggravated Sexual Abuse as a result of his attack on Ms. Smith. At his trial, Zada was represented by William Kunstler, a world-renowned defense attorney who had gained notoriety for successfully defending many high profile and controversial clients.   

“By this decision, the Appellate Division recognizes that Zada's unsubstantiated claims do not warrant further review.  My Office works diligently to preserve convictions and continues to fight for justice during the appellate process. I would like to again commend Executive Assistant District Attorney James Dolan for his dedication, advocacy and exceptional work on this appeal.  Some 45 years later, EADA Dolan’s professionalism and determination in maintaining this conviction is an excellent representation of the tireless work my attorneys do every day on behalf of the people of Rockland County,” said District Attorney Walsh