Gary Schara, charged with rape, abduction and murder of Lisa Ziegert in 1992

VERNON, Conn. -- (WTIC) -- Gary E. Schara of West Springfield, Massachusetts has been charged with murder, aggravated rape and kidnapping in connection with the 1992 slaying of Lisa Ziegert in Agawam, Mass.

Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni told reporters Monday afternoon that Schara's DNA was found at the crime scene. He also said a tipster told state police that they had handwritten documents where Schara admitted to the rape, abduction and murder of Lisa Ziegert. The District Attorney said Schara has been a person of interest since 1993 but it was only until recently that they were able to acquire his DNA. He told reporters that they have an idea what Schara's motive was in the crime, but would not elaborate.

Ziegert, 24, was a teacher's assistant in Agawam Middle School when she was abducted from her job at the Brittany Card & Gift Shoppe on Walnut Extension on April 15, 1992. Her body was found in a wooded area off Route 75, also known as Suffield Street, on April 19, 1992.

A break in the case came last year, when Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni released a composite image of a suspect generated through a new technology called DNA phenotyping. Taking DNA evidence found at the scene, investigators were able to create a profile of her killer.

According to Rockville Court Clerk's Office, the case was transferred to Massachusetts and Schara will be extradited. He could be arraigned in Westfield District Court Tuesday.