Zebulon Perkins, 33, has pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder after killing his former teacher, Vivian James, and a woman named Leah Kline in separate incidents in 2019. He is currently serving a 70-year prison sentence. The case unfolded after a series of disturbing events leading up to his arrest.
The Murder of Leah Kline
The killings began on December 25, 2019, when Perkins got into an argument with Leah Kline at a motel. During the altercation, Perkins strangled Kline and discarded her body in a dumpster.
The shocking crime went undetected for a few days, but Perkins then went to his former teacher, Vivian James’ home, seeking guidance.
Vivian James’ Death
On December 26, 2019, Perkins visited James’ home and, after she advised him to turn himself in to the authorities, he became violent. According to prosecutors, Perkins beat and strangled James with a cord, killing her.
James’ body was discovered by a friend on December 28, 2019. When authorities arrived, they found James’ Toyota Camry missing, and detectives quickly traced the car to Perkins.
Investigators Catch Perkins
At a motel where Perkins had been staying, investigators found the car and discovered Perkins placing items into his bag. Upon searching his bag, authorities found bloodied sweatpants with both Perkins’ and James’ blood, along with items belonging to James, including her laptops and a missing surveillance camera.
Despite these incriminating findings, Perkins maintained his innocence during multiple interrogations.
Perkins’ Denial and Arrest
During his interrogation, Perkins denied any involvement, even when confronted with evidence linking him to the crime. When told he was being charged with murder on January 10, 2020, he questioned why he couldn’t leave, still refusing to accept the charges.
Surveillance footage later showed Perkins praying in distress, asking God for the truth, while alone in the interrogation room.
Perkins’ guilty plea in 2021 sealed the case, with him now serving a lengthy prison sentence for the murders. His story remains a tragic reminder of the violent consequences of unresolved conflict and the chilling nature of his actions leading to the deaths of both Leah Kline and Vivian James.
