In a bizarre twist of fate, a Suffolk County detective who led the search for a murder suspect made a startling discovery in his own backyard pool. The grim find has left investigators piecing together the final moments of a months-long manhunt.
According to the New York Post, Detective Thomas Corso and his teenage son were preparing their East Shoreham pool for summer when they discovered a well-preserved body floating beneath the winter cover. The body is believed to be that of Matthew Zoll, a 23-year-old murder suspect who disappeared after allegedly killing his father in November.
The location of the discovery holds particular significance, as Corso's property borders a wooded area that leads directly to William Floyd Parkway. This thoroughfare is approximately half a mile from where Zoll reportedly crashed his vehicle and fled on foot after the alleged murder of his father.
Tragic Discovery Unveils Final Path
Suffolk Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina revealed compelling evidence linking the body to the fugitive murder suspect. The clothing, lack of footwear, and proximity to Zoll's last known location strongly suggest the body belongs to the wanted man.
The discovery occurred when Corso and his son were removing the pool's Loop-Loc cover. Investigators noted that a portion of the cover had been tampered with, suggesting someone had deliberately attempted to hide beneath it.
Police believe Zoll may have sought refuge under the pool cover during his escape, leading to his eventual death. The exact cause of death remains unknown, with drowning, hypothermia, and suffocation all being considered as potential factors.
Intensive Manhunt Details Surface
The US Marshals New York/New Jersey Fugitive Task Force, including Detective Corso himself, had conducted an extensive search of the surrounding area. Their efforts focused on the 1,600-acre Brookhaven State Park and nearby wooded regions.
Despite the thorough investigation and deployment of significant resources, the search teams were unable to locate Zoll during the initial manhunt. The discovery in Corso's pool has now provided crucial answers to the months-long mystery.
Law enforcement officials are currently awaiting DNA test results and autopsy findings to definitively confirm the body's identity. These forensic examinations will also help determine the precise cause and timing of death.
Mental Health Connection Emerges
Reports indicate that Zoll suffered from schizophrenia, adding a mental health component to the tragic narrative. The suspect had been wanted for the alleged stabbing death of his 61-year-old father, Joseph Zoll, a postal worker.
The November incident occurred inside their Rocky Point home, prompting an immediate police response and subsequent manhunt. The circumstances surrounding the alleged murder and Zoll's mental state at the time remain under investigation.
Commissioner Catalina has maintained a cautious approach, emphasizing the need for scientific confirmation while acknowledging the strong likelihood that the body belongs to the fugitive.
