Omaha Police Department officers discovered John Zak, a deacon at St. Peter Catholic Church in Omaha, Nebraska, dead inside his home on Cass Street Wednesday night while responding to a missing persons call.
Background
Officers responded to the residence at approximately 11:30 p.m. and found John Zak deceased inside the home, according to the Omaha Police Department. The discovery came after a call reporting a missing person at the deacon's residence.
John Zak served as the director of the parish's youth group and was a catechism teacher at St. Peter Catholic Church, according to the Archdiocese of Omaha. The Archdiocese stated it was "saddened to learn of the tragic death" of the longtime church volunteer, describing him as more than a deacon but a mentor to young people in the community.
Martin Zak, 36, was adopted as an infant by John and his wife, according to KETV. The relationship between the defendant and victim is central to this case as authorities investigate what led to the killing of the well-known church leader.
The Charges
Martin Zak was taken into custody Thursday morning, sometime after 8:30 a.m., following an almost four-mile police chase through Omaha. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver refused to pull over and led authorities on a pursuit before being apprehended.
Zak has been charged with suspicion of criminal homicide, felony flight to evade arrest, and felony theft of at least $5,000. He is being held at Douglas County jail on a $1 million bond following his Friday bond hearing.
The Omaha Police Officers Association described the deacon as "an active member of the community" and extended condolences to John Zak's family in a statement.
Key Takeaways
- John Zak, 58, was a deacon at St. Peter Catholic Church in Omaha and director of the parish youth group
- Officers discovered his body inside his Cass Street home while responding to a missing persons call Wednesday night
- Martin Zak, 36, was adopted as an infant by John and his wife
- Police arrested Martin Zak Thursday morning following a nearly four-mile chase
- He faces charges of suspicion of criminal homicide, felony flight to evade arrest, and felony theft
- Zak is being held at Douglas County jail on $1 million bond
What's Next
Martin Zak remains in custody at Douglas County Jail awaiting further court proceedings. Prosecutors have not yet indicated whether they will seek additional charges as the investigation continues. The case is being handled by the Omaha Police Department, and authorities have not released information about a possible motive in the killing of the church deacon.
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information regarding the case is encouraged to contact Omaha Police.