Case #94 - Zachariah Brent Perry
- Date of Incident – May 5th, 2020 at 4:47 AM
- Location – Columbus, Ohio
- Date of Birth: 10/28/1989
- Case Entry Made: 03/05/2026
- Last Updated: 03/05/2026
Columbus Police Department: (614) 645-4730
Crime Stoppers: 614-461-TIPS (8477)
http://www.stopcrime.org and submit your tip
Social Media Links:
Facebook Group: Zachariah’s Post
Ohio Attorney General: Zachariah’s Unsolved Homicide
ABC 6 News: Columbus 37th Homicide Victim
Columbus Government Page: 2020 Archive Cases
Find a Grave: Zachariah’s Memorial
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 5, 2020 – ~4:47 a.m. | Columbus police respond to reports of a shooting at a residence on the 1100 block of Heyl Avenue. |
| May 5, 2020 | Officers locate two shooting victims inside the home. |
| May 5, 2020 | Zachariah B. Perry, 30, is pronounced dead at the scene. |
| May 5, 2020 | Second victim Gregory Wilson is transported to Grant Medical Center and survives. |
| 2020 | Columbus Police Homicide Section opens a murder investigation. |
| 2020–Present | Case remains under investigation with possible motives still being reviewed. |
| Present | Authorities continue to seek tips or evidence that could identify the suspect(s). |
Overview
The Zachariah Brent Perry case is an unsolved homicide investigation in Columbus, Ohio, that remains part of the city’s cold-case files. Perry, a 30-year-old man, was killed during a shooting in the early morning hours of May 5, 2020. The case continues to be reviewed by the Columbus Division of Police Homicide Section, and authorities have stated they are still evaluating possible motives and leads.
The killing occurred at a residence on the 1100 block of Heyl Avenue on the south side of Columbus. Officers responding to reports of gunfire found two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds inside the home. Perry was pronounced dead shortly afterward, while another victim survived the shooting and was transported to a nearby hospital.
Despite the passage of several years, the homicide remains unresolved and investigators have continued to encourage the public to provide information that could help identify those responsible.
Background of the Incident
During the early morning of May 5, 2020, Columbus police received a call reporting a shooting at a residence on Heyl Avenue. Officers arrived at approximately 4:47 a.m. and discovered two victims inside the home.
Authorities identified the deceased victim as Zachariah B. Perry, age 30. Emergency responders attempted lifesaving measures, but Perry was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after officers arrived.
A second victim, identified in reports as Gregory Wilson, suffered gunshot wounds but survived after being transported to Grant Medical Center. Investigators began examining the scene and interviewing witnesses in an effort to determine what led to the violence.
Police have not publicly confirmed a specific motive. However, detectives have stated that they are reviewing all available evidence and potential circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Investigation Status
The homicide remains classified as an open investigation. According to the Columbus Police Homicide Section, the case is still under review as part of the department’s ongoing efforts to solve unresolved killings.
Authorities continue to:
– Review forensic evidence collected at the scene
– Examine potential witness statements
– Analyze possible connections between the victims and others involved
– Evaluate motives related to personal disputes or other circumstances
The case has also been listed among Columbus cold-case investigations, indicating that investigators are still seeking information that could lead to charges.
Law enforcement agencies frequently revisit cold cases when new technology, witness testimony, or tips become available.
Community Impact
Homicides such as the killing of Zachariah Brent Perry often leave long-lasting effects on families and communities. When cases remain unsolved, investigators rely heavily on public cooperation.
Local law enforcement encourages anyone with information about the incident to contact the Columbus Police Department or Crime Stoppers, as even small details may help move the investigation forward.
Cold-case investigations sometimes take years to resolve, but advances in forensic science and renewed witness cooperation have led to arrests in many older homicide cases.
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Facebook Post:
Zachariah Perry 30 was murdered on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, at approximately 4:47 A.M. In Columbus, Ohio Police Officers responded to a report of a shooting at 1151 Heyl Ave. on the report of a shooting when officers arrived, they located two victims suffering from gunshot wounds one victim was in critical condition the other man Mr. Zachariah Perry was pronounced deceased by Columbus Police it was first thought that it could
have been a home invasion but it was determined that Zach was alseep when it happened in the house and the victims were shot and no one has ever been charged in his murder
Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for any information leading to the arrest and/or indictment of the person(s) responsible for this crime. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477) or go to our website at http://www.stopcrime.org and submit your tip. You may also submit a tip by downloading our new free P3 Tips mobile app available on the iOS and Android platforms. We are no longer taking tips via text message.
A— in Columbus, OH.
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