GVSU advisor's death ruled a homicide

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - The body of a man was found in the basement of a home on the northwest side of Grand Rapids in what police officials are calling a homicide.

Police confirmed the victim is Santiago Zapata Jr.

There were signs of a struggle inside the home in the 900 block of Myrtle Street NW, which is one reason police are labeling it a homicide.

Zapata worked as an advisor at Grand Valley State University's Pew Campus in Grand Rapids. When he did not show up for work Tuesday, authorities were called to check on him at his home.

"His friends who first notified us were also co-workers," GRPD Sgt. Jim Potter said.

Authorities first arrived at the residence around noon Tuesday and found the man at that time. They remained on the scene for more than seven hours.

Police also say Zapata had not been seen since Thursday.

Zapata's black Chrysler Crossfire, which has three red stripes on the hood, was missing from his home.

That car was found Tuesday at Cambridge Apartments near the intersection of Mason Street and Plymouth Avenue NE. It was found after an officer, who works that neighborhood beat, remembered seeing a vehicle matching the description of the missing car at the apartment complex.

"It was good police work," Lt. Mark Ostapowicz told 24 Hour News 8.

Forensic units went through the car to see if there is any evidence that may lead police to a suspect.

No one is currently in custody and police do not currently have any leads on a suspect.

When Dave Zolenski saw Zapata's house on the news Tuesday afternoon, he recognized it right away as belonging to his friend who he knew as Jim.

Zapata's house was known in the neighborhood for elaborate holiday displays. On Tuesday, it was fenced off by crime scene tape.

"People are just going to be puzzled, for all the people that knew Jim," Zolenski said. "I'm just racing to find out what happened."

"He had a good spirit about him," Zolenski added.

GVSU spokeswoman Mary Eilleen Lyon told 24 Hour News 8 Zapata had been with the University for 19 years.

Lyon said Zapata worked with the TRIO Program, which is within the College of Education. That federally-funded program "helps academically talented students from traditionally underserved backgrounds reach their potential by earning a college degree," according to the GVSU website.

The dean of the College of Education notified other department staff members of the death via email on Tuesday afternoon.

"He's a great guy. We're going to really miss him at work," said friend and co-worker Patrick Perry. "Great asset to the community."

Zapata was remembered as a dedicated, kind man.

"He loved his job. He loved his kids," said Perry.

Anyone with information is asked to contact GRPD at 616.456.3604 or Silent Observer at 616.774.2345.