[4][5] He was named as the prime suspect in a triple homicide before authorities announced on May 9, 2009 that they had found and identified Zinkhan's body.

[2] In addition, he edited or co-edited several books: Zinkhan's curriculum vitae listed 22 works under a section called, "Research Activities: Poetry".

[7] The murders occurred during a picnic reunion of the Town & Gown Players, and all three killed were active in local theater productions.

[13] On the same day, "Zinkhan was charged with three counts of murder and a state arrest warrant was issued in Clarke County, Georgia.

[15][16] Investigators said that Zinkhan used a shovel to dig a 15-to-18-inch-deep (380 to 460 mm) grave in the woods behind Cleveland Road Elementary, lay down in it, took an old wooden pallet he had covered with dirt and debris and pulled it over top of the hole.

[13][16] Zinkhan's body was claimed by a son from a previous marriage one day before it was scheduled for burial in a pauper's grave.