Body found during murder investigation identified as deacon of Catholic church

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT/Gray News) - A man has been arrested in connection with the murder of his father, a deacon at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Omaha.

Nebraska authorities say Martin Zak, 36, was booked into Douglas County Corrections on charges that include suspicion of criminal homicide in connection with the murder of John Zak, 69.

Omaha police took Martin Zak into custody Thursday following a vehicle pursuit tied to an investigation into his father’s death.

Officers responding to a missing persons call went to an Omaha-area home Wednesday night and found the body of a man, later identified as John Zak.

The investigation led police to search for a blue Mazda SUV, which officers tried to stop.

Authorities said Martin Zak took off from officers before he was eventually taken into custody.

“Outstanding investigative work by our detectives helped quickly identify a person of interest. When uniformed patrol officers spotted the individual Thursday morning, they pursued him until a person of interest was taken into custody,” the Omaha Police Officers’ Association shared.

In a statement online, St. Peter’s Church said John Zak’s death was a great shock to his family and their parish.

“I am saddened to learn of the tragic death of Deacon John Zak. Deacon Zak also directed the parish’s youth group and served as a teacher in the parish catechism program,” Archbishop Michael G. McGovern said. “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.”