OCEANSIDE, Calif. – In a major cold-case breakthrough, authorities have arrested a suspect in connection with the 2008 murder of Cecil Zachary Jr., nearly 16 years after the crime.
Jeffrey Roberson, 59, was taken into custody Wednesday in Spring Valley after DNA evidence linked him to the decades-old homicide, according to the Oceanside Police Department.
During an interview with detectives, Roberson reportedly admitted to the killing. However, investigators have yet to reveal a possible motive or confirm any prior relationship between Roberson and Zachary.
“This arrest is the result of years of dedicated investigative work and advancements in forensic technology,” said OPD Detective Sergeant Dave Estrada.
Roberson is currently being held without bail at San Diego Central Jail and is set to be arraigned Friday afternoon. The case underscores the power of modern forensic science in solving long-unsolved crimes and bringing long-overdue justice to victims and their families.
