GVSUs Zapata mentored accused killer

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Santiago Zapata Jr. met Timothy Miller when he coached Miller's 7th-grade basketball team. The GVSU advisor continued to be a mentor to Miller, police told 24 Hour News 8.

Now Miller and Maceo Scott face felony murder and armed robbery charges in Zapata's death. The 24-year-old Grand Rapids men were arrested Tuesday and arraigned Thursday afternoon on the charges.

They admit they intended to rob a GVSU advisor at his Grand Rapids home, but each is blaming the other for stabbing Zapata to death in late September, an affidavit from a Grand Rapids police detective revealed.

In a court record, GRPD Detective Les Smith swore that both Scott and Miller admitted they got a knife and went to Zapata's house on Myrtle with the intention of robbing him. But, Smith said, "Maceo claims that Mr. Miller did the stabbing. Mr. Miller claims that Maceo Scott did the stabbing."

Zapata was found dead from stab wounds in his home in the 900 block of Myrtle Street NW on Sept. 25. Zapata's death certificate filed Tuesday said he was stabbed to death on or around Sept. 21 -- four days before his body was found.

The advisor was stabbed "numerous times" after he refused to give the pair his wallet, Smith said in an affidavit. Zapata was stabbed, then taken to the basement of his home. His ATM card was taken as well as his Chrysler Crossfire.

Scott and Miller tried to get money with Zapata's ATM card but couldn't, Smith said. They later dumped his car at an apartment complex.

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. His 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.