John Michael Zelt was 26 when he was shot and killed on May 8, 2015, at a residence off Newington Road in Newington, Georgia. He was a husband and father of three young children, described by family as hardworking with a big heart. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation took over the case and confirmed they were treating the shooting as a homicide. Investigators later said they had identified a suspect, and the matter was referred to the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review, but no arrest had been announced.

Zelt’s sister said he was shot in the back of the head and that the alleged shooter was a relative by marriage who claimed to have felt threatened during a dispute. The family remains without public resolution and continues to grieve.

If anyone knew John Michael Zelt, his movements that day, or has information about the shooting, please come forward to assist the ongoing inquiry.