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Authorities in Nebraska have apprehended the adult son of an Omaha Catholic deacon, accusing him of the deacon’s murder.
According to OSV News, officers from the Omaha Police Department discovered John Zak, a deacon serving at St. Peter Catholic Church in Omaha, deceased in his residence late Wednesday night. The police were initially responding to a missing persons report at his home on Cass Street when they made the grim discovery.
The following morning, around 8:30 a.m., Martin Zak, 36, was arrested after leading police on a nearly four-mile chase.
“The driver refused to stop, initiating a pursuit,” stated police officials. Upon his apprehension, he was identified as a person of interest in the investigation.
Martin Zak now faces charges including suspicion of criminal homicide, felony flight to avoid arrest, and felony theft exceeding $5,000.
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.
[Feature Photo via Omaha Police Officers Association/Facebook]