Eric Zaffer, a 45-year-old male from Wellington, OH, was tragically murdered on August 4, 2015. His body was discovered in a fire-damaged home in Lorain County, and it was determined that he had been shot at least once before the fire broke out. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, but it is clear that Zaffer was already deceased when the flames started.
Three suspects were charged with Zaffer's murder: Bishop Howard, 18, of Carlisle Township; Ryan Crews, 21, of Elyria; and Trevor White, 19, of Carlisle Township. All three were also charged with aggravated robbery. Investigators believe the murder may have been drug-related, as marijuana plants were found at the suspects' residences and at the scene of the crime. Howard admitted to pulling the trigger, delivering a fatal shot to Zaffer's upper right chest.
The shooting is believed to have occurred during a breaking and entering incident. Evidence found at the suspects' home included items stolen from the Elyria Country Club, Zaffer's cell phone, and a bucket of change taken from his home. A rifle matching the type of bullet that killed Zaffer was also recovered. The suspects were arraigned in Oberlin Municipal Court, and the investigation continued with the possibility of further charges.
The case drew significant attention from law enforcement and the community, as the suspects were cooperative with the investigation, except for one who refused to talk. The investigation remains ongoing, and the suspects face serious legal consequences for their actions.
This tragic event highlights the devastating impact of violence and the importance of community and law enforcement efforts to bring justice to victims and their families.
