Nebraska Deacon Brutally Murdered and Dismembered by Adopted Son
A Nebraska minister's adopted son has been charged with the horrific murder and dismemberment of his father in a shocking case that has rocked the Omaha community. Martin Zak, aged 36, stands accused of stabbing and dismembering John Zak, 69, on Wednesday before allegedly stealing his father's wallet and fleeing in his vehicle.
Discovery of the Crime
John Zak, a deacon at St. Peter Catholic Church in Omaha, was reported missing by his wife, Mary, after she returned home from work that evening and found her husband absent. Omaha Police Department Lieutenant Nick Andrews stated, 'She had returned home from work and noticed that something wasn’t right, and that’s when she initially called and reported him missing.'
Mary informed authorities that she had dropped Martin off at a mental health program earlier in the day. Upon her return, she discovered damage to the back door and, when attempting to call her husband, heard his phone ring in her son's pocket, according to prosecutors.
Grisly Evidence Uncovered
Police responding to the scene found a trail of blood on the back door and leading to Martin's basement room. A subsequent search revealed a tote under the porch containing a dismembered torso, with other body parts located both inside and outside the residence.
Court documents indicate John Zak suffered stab wounds to his chest, back, and head, with investigators recovering knives from the dishwasher. The brutality of the attack has left the community in disbelief.
Arrest and Charges
Martin Zak was apprehended the following day after a police chase when officers found him driving his father's car and in possession of John's wallet. Authorities also reported that Martin discarded his phone on the interstate and that John's blood-stained clothing was recovered.
Martin now faces multiple charges, including:
- First-degree murder
- Use of a firearm in the commission of a different felony
- Flight to avoid arrest
- Theft of a vehicle
He is currently held without bond at Douglas County Corrections, with his next court hearing scheduled for April 17.
Background and Family Details
Martin Zak has a criminal history dating back to 2012, including offenses such as unlawful occupancy, willful reckless driving, assault by mutual consent, and third-degree domestic assault. Mary told police that although Martin lived with his parents, he did not have a key to the home and was not permitted to be there alone.
John Zak, ordained as a deacon in 1998, worked as a respiratory therapist and was a pillar of his community. He and Mary shared seven biological children, seven adopted children, and 31 grandchildren, with the family having been part of St. Peter Catholic Church for nearly four decades.
Remembering John Zak
Reverend John P. Broheimer, pastor of the church, issued a statement honoring John's legacy. His obituary described him as an avid reader, gifted musician who played instruments including accordion, guitar, organ, and piano, and a devoted family man who enjoyed gardening, traveling, and photography.
'He was a notorious sweet tooth who loved chocolate. He enjoyed a strong cup of coffee and a strong pour of whiskey. He rooted for the Nebraska Cornhuskers in good times and in bad. But most of all, he was devoted to his wife and best friend of 46 years and to his family who he led, loved, and served unfailingly,' the tribute read.
A vigil for John is planned for Friday, with his funeral set for Saturday, as the community mourns the loss of a beloved figure.
