Arlington Police Release Video of Homicide Victim

ARLINGTON, VA

The Arlington County Police Department today released new video in an unsolved homicide that occurred almost one year ago. Paul Matthew Zeller, a 24 year old Iraq war veteran, was murdered on June 30, 2006, while walking near the Pentagon Row shopping center. The video, recorded by a surveillance camera, shows the victim entering and exiting a grocery store a few minutes before he was shot and killed.

“We hope this video will jog someone’s memory,” said Lieutenant Brian Berke, Supervisor of the Homicide/Robbery Unit. “If they remember seeing Mr. Zeller that night, then maybe they will remember something else that will help us close this case.”

Detectives say Mr. Zeller was on his way home from work. He exited the Pentagon City Metro Station shortly before midnight, stopped at the grocery store, and then continued on foot towards his home in the Aurora Highlands neighborhood. He was walking on a sidewalk in the 1300 block of S. Joyce Street when he was shot. The first 9-1-1 calls were received at approximately 12:06 a.m.

"This video shows Paul as we remember him, young and full of life,” said Lydia Robertson, Mr. Zeller’s sister. “His death was devastating to us, and if anyone knows why he was killed or who did it, please come forward. Our hope is that by identifying those responsible for his death, another family will be spared the grief we have experienced.”

Family, friends and neighbors are offering a $5000 reward. Anyone who has any information that could assist detectives is asked to call the police tip line at 703-228-4242. If callers wish to remain anonymous, they can call Crime Solvers at 1- 866- 411-TIPS (8477). Crime Solvers offers a reward of up to $1000 for information that leads to an arrest. Callers to Crime Solvers do not have to give their names and do not need to testify in court.

Media note: The surveillance video is available from the Media Relations Office. Please contact PIO John Lisle by phone at 703-228-4311 or by email at jlisle (at) arlingtonva.us to request a copy.