Eric Zaffer, 45, of Wellington, Ohio, was found dead in a fire-damaged home in Lorain County on August 4, 2015. Medical examiners determined he had been shot at least once in the upper right chest before the fire began, and he was already deceased when the flames started. The origin of the fire remains undetermined.

Three men were charged in connection with Zaffer’s death and with aggravated robbery: Bishop Howard, 18, of Carlisle Township; Ryan Crews, 21, of Elyria; and Trevor White, 19, of Carlisle Township. Investigators found marijuana plants at the suspects’ residences and at the scene, and believe the slaying may have been drug-related. Howard admitted to pulling the trigger. Items recovered included a rifle matching the bullet type, Zaffer’s cell phone, stolen property from the Elyria Country Club, and a bucket of change taken from Zaffer’s home.

Reports say the shooting occurred during a breaking and entering. The suspects were arraigned in Oberlin Municipal Court and the investigation remained ongoing. If anyone knew Eric, his movements that day, or has information about the break-in, please share what can help the case.