Jacksonville, Florida – Zebulon Perkins, 33, pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder after admitting to the brutal killings of Vivian James, his former teacher, and Leah Kline, in separate but connected incidents.
The Murders
The killings took place in late December 2019. On Dec. 25, Perkins killed Leah Kline after an argument at a motel. He strangled her and disposed of her body in a dumpster. The following day, Perkins visited Vivian James at her home, seeking advice.
When James advised him to turn himself in to the police, Perkins beat and strangled her with a cord, causing her death. James’ body was found by a friend at her home on Dec. 28, 2019.
Perkins’ Reaction to the Arrest
During his interrogation on Dec. 28, Perkins denied any involvement in the murders. When questioned about James’ car, a Toyota Camry, which was missing, Perkins initially claimed he was unaware of James’ death.
“I didn’t know this lady was dead until just now,” Perkins told detectives. When asked about his relationship with James, he referred to her as a friend, saying, “Miss Vivian? She would be my friend.”
Detectives pressed him further, mentioning how normal people cry when their friends die. Perkins responded with indifference: “I couldn’t.”
Evidence and Investigation
After James’ body was found, investigators tracked her missing car to a motel where Perkins was staying. They found bloodied sweatpants in his bag, containing both his and James’ blood, along with other personal items belonging to James like laptops and a surveillance camera. Despite the evidence, Perkins continued to deny involvement.
On Jan. 10, 2020, Perkins was formally charged with murder. During the arrest, he continued to maintain his innocence, even questioning why he couldn’t leave.
As police handled paperwork, Perkins was left alone in the interrogation room. He then dropped to his knees in apparent distress, saying, “You know the truth,” while praying.
Sentencing
Perkins was convicted and sentenced to 70 years in prison. His actions, along with his defiant and manipulative behavior during the investigation, shocked both authorities and the victims’ families.
