Catholic Deacon’s Death: A Tale of Betrayal

An adopted son’s alleged murder of his Catholic deacon father has shaken an Omaha faith community that once celebrated this family as a model of Christian charity and adoption.

Story Snapshot

36-year-old Martin Zak arrested after police chase, accused of murdering his adoptive father, longtime Catholic deacon John Zak
Victim served 25+ years as deacon at St. Peter Catholic Church, leading youth programs and catechism classes
Suspect held on $1 million bond, charged with criminal homicide, felony flight, and theft exceeding $5,000
Archdiocese of Omaha and local parish express shock over loss of beloved community servant

Beloved Deacon Found Dead After Missing Person Report

John Zak, 69, was discovered dead at his Gifford Park home near 36th and Cass Streets on the evening of March 11, 2026, following a missing person report filed the previous day. The longtime respiratory therapist and permanent deacon at St. Peter Catholic Church had dedicated over 25 years to serving his parish since his 1998 ordination. Omaha Police immediately launched a homicide investigation and identified his adopted son, Martin Zak, 36, as a person of interest after a blue Mazda SUV registered to the family went missing.

Police Chase Ends With Suspect’s Capture

Officers located the stolen Mazda SUV at 10th and Martha Streets around 10 a.m. on March 13, approximately nine hours into an intensive search operation. Martin Zak led police on a brief pursuit before officers successfully apprehended him. The Omaha Police Department charged him with criminal homicide, felony flight to evade arrest, and felony theft of at least $5,000. During his March 13 court appearance, a judge set bond at $1 million, and Martin remains detained at Douglas County Jail as the investigation continues.

Faith Community Mourns Loss of Dedicated Servant

Archbishop Michael G. McGovern of the Archdiocese of Omaha expressed profound sadness over the “tragic death” in a March 13 Facebook statement, calling for prayers for John Zak’s soul, his family, and the parish community. Reverend John Broheimer, pastor at St. Peter Catholic Church, described the news as causing “great shock” and highlighted how Zak had touched “countless lives, especially youth” through his ministry work. The deacon was known for directing the parish youth group, teaching catechism, and keeping inspirational holy cards at his workplace to share his faith with colleagues and patients.

Adoption Legacy Now Tainted by Tragedy

John and Mary Zak had fostered and adopted multiple children over decades, embodying the Catholic Church’s emphasis on family values and caring for vulnerable children. This commitment to adoption made them respected figures within their faith community. The alleged patricide by an adopted son raises uncomfortable questions about the challenges facing adoptive families, even those grounded in strong faith traditions. Authorities have released no information about Martin Zak’s motive or background, leaving the community struggling to understand how such violence could emerge from a family celebrated for Christian charity and service.

The Omaha Police Officers Association praised detectives’ efficient work in apprehending the suspect while expressing condolences to the Zak family and broader community. As the investigation progresses, no trial date has been set, and prosecutors have not released additional details about evidence or circumstances surrounding John Zak’s death. The tragedy disrupts youth programs and ministry activities at St. Peter Catholic Church while forcing parishioners to process grief over losing a spiritual leader who dedicated his life to serving others through faith and compassion.