Death in Zimbabwe results in unusual US charge

Unusual circumstances have left federal prosecutors pursuing vandalism charges against a U.S. government worker accused of killing a Zimbabwe man in an alleged drunken driving collision.

Much of the case against Andrew Pastirik is shrouded in secrecy at a federal courthouse in northern Virginia. Court documents show the only charge filed against Pastirik in the 2008 death is one of "malicious mischief," or vandalism, for wrecking a U.S. government-owned Toyota Land Cruiser he was driving.

Zimbabwe's ambassador to the U.S. says Zimbabwean authorities may have been prevented from bringing charges there because of diplomatic immunity.

The U.S. State Department declined to say whether it requested diplomatic immunity on Pastirik's behalf.