If Looks Could Kill (40 page)

Cynthia George and her seven children were devout members of St. Vincent Church, the oldest Catholic church in Akron, a few blocks north of the Tangier on Market Street.

As the investigation focused on Cynthia George, Akron Police Department (A.P.D.) Detective Dave Whiddon, the department’s youngest lieutenant, took over for a retiring Ed Moriarty.

The Harold K. Stubbs Justice Center, in downtown Akron, where the A.P.D. is located.

The A.P.D.’s Crimes Against Persons Unit is located on the sixth floor of the Harold K. Stubbs Justice Center.

A.P.D. Detective Russ McFarland.

A.P.D. Detective Terry Hudnall.

A.P.D. Detective Mike Shaeffer.

For four years, Summit County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Mike Carroll determinedly pursued justice for Jeff Zack’s murder.

When Christine Todaro, pictured with her son, Tony, came forward and agreed to record conversations with her ex-husband, the investigation into Jeff Zack’s murder turned up a surprising new suspect.

Christine Todaro’s ex-husband, John Zaffino, became the A.P.D.’s main focus as Christine risked her life to expose Jeff Zack’s true killer.
(Courtesy of Christine Todaro)

John Zaffino.
(Courtesy of the Akron Police Department)

John Zaffino moved out of this apartment complex shortly before Jeff Zack was murdered.

On Zaffino’s rental agreement, he clearly links himself to Cynthia George by naming her as an “emergency contact.”
(Courtesy of the Akron Police Department)