Police in Nebraska arrested the adult son of an Onaha Catholic deacon Wednesday, for allegedly killing him.
OSV News reported that at approximately 11:30 p.m., Omaha Police Department officers found John Zak, a deacon at St. Peter Catholic Church in Omaha, dead in his home. The officers were responding to a missing persons call at the deacon’s home on Cass Street when they discovered his body.
Martin Zak, 36, was taken into custody the next morning, sometime after 8:30 a.m., following an almost four-mile police chase.
“[Zak] the driver refused to pull over and led officers on a pursuit,” the department said. The driver was apprehended and “taken into custody as a person of interest in the case.”
Zak has been charged with suspicion of criminal homicide, felony flight to evade arrest, and felony theft of at least $5000.
He is being held at Douglas County jail on a $1 million bond after his Friday bond hearing.
Archdiocese of Omaha’s post spoke on John’s death, saying he was “saddened to learn of the tragic death.”
The Archdiocese stated that John was more than a deacon; he was also the director of the parish’s youth group and a catechism teacher.
Omaha Police Officers Association‘s post described the deacon as “an active member of the community.” The Association extended their thoughts to John’s family.
According to KETV, Zak and his wife adopted Martin Zak as an infant.
Check back for updates.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.
Join Nancy Grace for her new online video series designed to help you protect what you love most — your children.
[Feature Photo via Omaha Police Officers Association/Facebook]
