A family in East Shoreham, New York, got a shock that no one expects while opening their backyard pool for summer. The household, just prepping for Memorial Day, included residents who were soon at the center of a disturbing discovery: a dead body floating beneath the pool cover.

According to the Daily Mail, Suffolk County police responded to the call on Sunday afternoon, immediately launching a homicide investigation and igniting speculation about the identity of the deceased. The incident comes as the small Long Island community is still haunted by the unsolved disappearance of murder suspect Matthew Zoll, 23, who has been missing since November after allegedly killing his father.

Authorities are now working to identify the body and determine the cause of death. The timing and location have fueled talk that the corpse could be Zoll himself, capping off a months-long manhunt and a community left with more questions than answers.

Police link discovery to unresolved murder

Police say the body was found in a residential backyard pool just half a mile from where Matthew Zoll, accused of stabbing his father, Joseph Zoll, in their Rocky Point home, crashed his vehicle and vanished on foot last fall. Joseph, a 61-year-old mail carrier with a reputation as a good neighbor, was killed on November 9 in a crime that tore through the tight-knit community.

After the murder, Matthew reportedly fled in a black GMC Yukon before abandoning the car near East Shoreham and disappearing into a nearby wooded lot. Despite a massive search by Suffolk police and U.S. Marshals, including sweeps of a 1,600-acre state park, authorities could not find him.

The body’s discovery so close to the crash site has led many residents to believe that the months-long search for Matthew Zoll may have ended in their own neighborhood. Still, law enforcement has not officially confirmed the identity, pending results from the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Community reacts to disturbing news

Neighbors and friends of the Zoll family have expressed shock and sadness as the investigation unfolds. Many remember Joseph Zoll as a quiet, helpful man who kept to himself but was well-liked by those around him. Karen Diffley, a neighbor, spoke to the New York Post about hearing faint cries for "help" the night of the murder, but dismissing them at the time.

"I’m in shock. I’m totally in shock. He was a very nice man," Diffley said. "If I needed help mowing the lawn he would lend us his lawn mower. Very quiet."

Another neighbor, Gavan Israel, described Joseph as "a nice, quiet, soft-spoken guy" who had struggled with alcohol in the past but turned his life around. Israel also noted that Matthew, the younger son accused of the murder, had struggled with mental health issues, including schizophrenia, and had gone missing before after going off his medication.

Questions linger about mental health and policing

As speculation swirls about the identity of the body and the fate of Matthew Zoll, questions about mental health and law enforcement responses have become part of the conversation. Residents recalled that Matthew’s challenges were well-known, and his disappearance last April prompted a local news story and search effort.

Israel told reporters that Matthew was always withdrawn, rarely speaking and often looking down. "He had a problem a few months ago where he went missing because he went off of his medication. The local news did a story about it when [police were] looking for him. I’m guessing that’s probably what this started with—a lack of meds."

Sharon Healey, a longtime community member, reflected on the confusion after Joseph’s death, saying, "It was very strange... We all thought he just left town. Got on a train or a bus." The uncertainty about how Matthew could have evaded law enforcement for so long and whether his mental health struggles were adequately addressed has left some residents frustrated.

Lessons to Learn From This Tragedy

While this story remains under investigation, several takeaways highlight how communities and individuals can respond when facing situations involving mental health crises and domestic dangers.

1. Take mental health signs seriously. Loved ones should seek help early when a family member shows signs of struggling with mental illness. Support systems can play a critical role in intervention. However, it’s important to remember that even with support, outcomes can’t always be predicted—this is never the fault of the victim or caretaker.

2. Secure immediate help during suspicious activity. One neighbor recalled hearing cries for help but assumed it was the television. It’s always better to report strange noises or activity than to dismiss them. Prompt action could save lives or prevent a tragedy.

3. Enhance backyard and home safety. Residents opening summer properties should remain alert for anything unusual. Keeping security lighting operational and checking for signs of forced entry or odd changes to property can prevent being caught off guard. Still, crime can happen to anyone, regardless of the precautions taken.

Why This Story Matters

This story matters because it highlights the tragic intersection of mental illness, family dynamics, and unresolved trauma in our communities. It raises awareness about the hidden struggles some families face and the importance of persistent efforts in missing person cases. Knowing more about this helps communities remain vigilant and compassionate.

Conclusion

The discovery of a body in a Long Island backyard pool just before Memorial Day has opened up fresh questions in a months-old homicide case. The home is located near the area where 23-year-old murder suspect Matthew Zoll vanished after allegedly stabbing his father in November. Authorities believe the body may be Matthew’s, but identity confirmation is now in the hands of the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office. The investigation continues as residents of East Shoreham and Rocky Point try to make sense of the tragic events that have unfolded in their quiet neighborhoods.