'Persons of interest' in advisor murder

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Though no one has yet been arrested, Grand Rapids police have a few persons of interest in the slaying of a Grand Valley State University advisor at his west side home.

The body of Santiago Zapata Jr. was found Sept. 25 by police after concerned co-workers called with information he had not been heard from in several days.

There were signs of a struggle inside the home in the 900 block of Myrtle Street NW, and investigators told 24 Hour News 8 Monday they believe Zapata knew his killer.

 Zapata's black Chrysler Crossfire, which has three red stripes on the hood, was missing from his home. That car was found Sept. 25 at Cambridge Apartments, near the intersection of Mason Street and Plymouth Avenue NE.

Investigators checked the car for fingerprints and other physical evidence and said the person who took it may be involved in the killing -- though they don't believe auto theft was the motive.