Independent Detective Case File
Zachariah Brent Perry
HomicideColumbus, Franklin, Ohio, USA
Overview
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.
Detailed Case Breakdown
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.
———————————————–
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.
Social Media, News and Case Links:
Facebook Group: Zachariah’s Post
Ohio Attorney General: Zachariah’s Unsolved
ABC 6 News: Columbus 37th Homicide Victim
Columbus Government Page: 2020 Archive Cases
Find a Grave: Zachariah’s Memorial
Contact Information:
| Agency / Reference | Contact |
|---|---|
| Columbus Police Department: | (614) 645-4730 |
| Crime Stoppers: | 614-461-TIPS (8477) |
| Submit your tip | http://www.stopcrime.org |
Event Timeline Graph
| 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). |
Submit a Tip & Stay Updated
Share Information
Every tip matters. Information, memories, photographs, timelines, or small details may help bring attention back to a case.
Contact Law Enforcement First
If your information could assist an active investigation, please contact the investigating agency directly first. Law enforcement can immediately evaluate credible information and take action when needed.
Information submitted through this website may be reviewed, documented, or shared publicly, but Independent Detective cannot investigate or respond the way authorities can.
What You Can Share
You may share information, memories, photographs, links, observations, corrections, or details you believe may be connected to a case.
Even something that seems insignificant could help move an investigation forward.
Respectful Discussion
Thoughts and theories are welcome, but please remain respectful.
Avoid identifying, accusing, or targeting individuals without supporting evidence.
Stay Connected
Subscribe free to receive notifications when new cases are added to the archive, important case developments occur, or new website features become available.
We respect your inbox and only send occasional updates that we believe are important to the community. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Map Location
Columbus, Ohio
On May 5, 2020
Location disclaimer: This map may identify only the general city or surrounding area. It should not be interpreted as the exact location where the homicide occurred, where a person went missing, or where any other case event took place unless an exact location has been independently confirmed and entered.
Case Correction Report
See something wrong? Let us know.
This form is for correcting information displayed on Independent Detective. If you have new evidence or information about the investigation itself, please use Submit Evidence instead.
Leave a Reply