what police found after 30 years
- Jun 22, 2026
- 0:45
- Short
On February 28 1976, the suburban community of Hales Corners, Wisconsin, was rocked when the body of missing schoolboy, 14-year-old John Zera, was discovered in a local park. The teenager hadn't been seen for over a week, having gone missing in the middle of the school day without so much as a word.
Over the next few years, the investigation into John’s brutal murder was plagued by mistakes and misconduct before eventually going cold. Thirty years later, the case was resurrected after police discovered a chilling scene.
CREDITS Narration – Anonymous Host Research & writing – Brianne Jaskulski Production & music – Mike Migas Audio editing – Anthony Telfer
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RESOURCES
Brief Summary
The episode discusses the 1976 murder of John Zera and the flawed investigation that followed.
Key points
- The Discovery of John Zera. In 1976, the body of 14-year-old John Zera was found, shocking the community.
- A Chilling Scene 30 Years Later. The investigation into John's murder was reopened decades later after a chilling discovery.
