On September 17, 2023, 33-year-old Zackary Voshall New was reported missing from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The initial investigation by the Winston-Salem Police Department suggested that his disappearance was not voluntary, indicating potential foul play.
As the investigation progressed, authorities identified 46-year-old Jerry Jonas Caudill as a suspect.
On November 30, 2023, detectives obtained warrants for Caudill's arrest on charges of possession of a firearm by a felon and concealing human remains, based on evidence suggesting that New's death was unnatural.
On December 13, 2023, Caudill surrendered himself to the Forsyth County Law Enforcement Detention Center, where he was arrested and charged with felony murder in connection with New's death. He was held without bond pending further legal proceedings.
The investigation continued, and on April 24, 2024, with Caudill's cooperation, authorities located human remains in the area of Middleton Loop in Stokes County. These remains were subsequently identified as those of Zackary New, providing closure to his family and confirming his tragic fate.
In July 2024, Caudill pled guilty to charges of voluntary manslaughter, concealment of a death, and possession of a firearm by a felon. He was sentenced to approximately 8 to 11 years in the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections.
The resolution of this case underscores the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in bringing justice to the victim and his family. The community continues to mourn the loss of Zackary New, whose life was tragically cut short.
