2 arrested in Santiago Zapata homicide

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Two people are in police custody in connection with the homicide of Santiago Zapata Jr.

Zapata was found dead from stab wounds in his home in the 900 block of Myrtle Street NW in Grand Rapids on Sept. 25. He was an advisor at Grand Valley State University.

Zapata's death certificate filed Tuesday said he was stabbed to death on or around Sept. 21 -- four days before his body was found.

Maceo Scott and Timothy Miller were arrested in connection with the Zapata homicide. Scott is listed in the Michigan State Police database as being arrested for felony homicide.

Miller's charge is not listed.

Formal charges connected to the homicide are expected Thursday.

The Grand Rapids Police Department and FBI Task Force arrested the 24-year-old suspects on Tuesday. Both are from Grand Rapids.

Scott was in court Wednesday because he failed to appear for an appointment required by his sentence in his second domestic violence conviction. He also was convicted of receiving stolen property in 2003.  

Scott's bond in the failure to appear charge was set at $10,000.

Miller was in court Wednesday for failing to pay in a shoplifting case. He has been in trouble before for assault, burglary, drunk driving and property destruction.

Both remain lodged in the Kent County jail.

Also Wednesday, investigators were looking at a storm drain in the 1800 block of Bradford NE, near where Zapata's car was found following the discovery of his body. It is unclear what they were seeking or if they found it.

You are asked to call GRPD at 616.456.3604 or Silent Observer at 616.774.2345 if you have more information about this crime.