OMAHA, Neb. — A man has been arrested in connection with the killing of his father, a longtime Catholic deacon in Omaha, according to police.
Martin Zak, 36, was arrested the morning of March 13, roughly nine hours after officers discovered the body of his father, John Zak, at the family’s home on Cass Street.
The investigation began after someone reported John Zak missing the previous day. When officers located his body at the residence, they began searching for a blue Mazda SUV believed to be connected to the case.
Police later spotted the vehicle the following morning. Officers arrested Martin Zak at 10th and Martha Streets after a brief chase.
John Zak served as a deacon for about 30 years, including 25 years at Saint Peter Catholic Church in Omaha.
“Through his ministry he touched countless lives, especially the young people of our parish, whom he served with generosity and sincere faith,” said Rev. John Broheimer, pastor of the church, in a message to parishioners.
Zak was also known for directing the parish youth group and teaching in the church’s catechism program.
Michael McGovern, archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Omaha, asked the community to pray for the family and parish during the investigation.
“As law enforcement continues investigating, please join me in praying for the repose of the soul of Deacon Zak, for his family and for the St. Peter parish community in this difficult time,” McGovern said in a statement.
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