UPDATE: Name Released In Crown Street Incident

Here is an update on the investigation of the body discovered Wednesday evening.

The call came at approximately 8:50PM Wednesday night that an individual was laying unconscious in an alley way on crown street. We now know the victim to be 52 year old Zail W. Cariens. He was living with friends on Mead Street in Zanesville. According to ZPD’s Chief Kenneth Miller, the cause of death is being investigated.

"He had injuries to the right side of his head and also the right side of his torso. At this time we haven’t determined the cause of death, we’re still investigating that."

An autopsy was being completed Thursday afternoon to determine the cause. As of Wednesday evening, the investigation was being looked into as a homicide due to the injuries the victim sustained. Initially, it was believed to be the result of a hit and run, but now Miller says the incident is being ruled as suspicious.

"Not necessarily homicide, I guess, suspicious or undetermined. I know the detectives and the evidence personnel went back over to the area today to see if there was anything else that might have been missed during the dark. They’re also trying to talk to the neighbors and witnesses in the area to see if we can find a little bit of a history for Mr. Caiens leading up to when this happened."

If you know anything regarding this incident, you are urged to call the Zanesville Police Department. You can leave tips anonymously. T

Zanesville Police Department: (740)455-0700