Lecture Notes: The Murder of John Zera and Investigative Challenges

Background of the Case

• Date of Murder: 1976
• Victim: John Zera, 14-year-old freshman
• Location: Found dead in Whitnall Park, Milwaukee, five miles from Franklin High School
• Initial Police Involvement:
  • Hales Corners Police: Led by Sgt. Howard Hingiss, limited experience with homicide cases
  • FBI Involvement: Assisted with criminal profiling, which was a nascent field at the time

Criminal Profiling Insights

• Profile Suggestion:
  • Killer possibly bisexual, known to the victim, with a history of sexual contact
  • Recommended misleading the media to protect the suspect’s identity

Investigation Efforts

• Suspect Focus:
  • Initial focus on school and nearby individuals
  • Two construction workers at the school became prime suspects, with rumors of bisexuality and drug dealings
  • Polygraph tests used despite later being disallowed in court

Investigation Challenges & Developments

• Polygraph Testing:

  • Initially a critical tool, later banned by the Wisconsin Supreme Court for its subjectivity
  • Results for the construction worker suspect showed truthfulness
  • The construction worker had a verified alibi being at a doctor’s appointment

• Investigative Setbacks:

  • Allegations of an affair by the lead investigator with a witness
  • Resulting internal investigation and suspension of Sgt. Hingiss

• Lack of Resolution:

  • Case remained unsolved despite continued efforts

Reflection and Legacy

• Personal Impact:
  • Sgt. Hingiss expressed regret over not solving the case
  • Continued belief that someone knows key information

Future Directions

• Next Steps in Investigation:
  • Chapter Three teaser: A new suspect emerges linked to sexual assaults, offering possible leads

Miscellaneous

• Date of Publication: November 11, 2015
• Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Archives

This summary captures the key elements and challenges in the investigation of John Zera's murder as reported in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, emphasizing the investigative approaches, complications, and unresolved aspects of the case.