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.”…