The Disappearance of Zebb Quinn (North Carolina): Unsolved Mystery and Ongoing Investigation
Zebb Quinn, an 18-year-old from Asheville, North Carolina, disappeared on January 2, 2000, leaving behind one of the region’s most enduring mysteries. On an ordinary night after work, Zebb went missing with few clues and no clear explanation, sparking a decades-long investigation that would frustrate both law enforcement and his family.
The search for answers has spanned more than two decades, with theories ranging from foul play to mistaken identity. Over the years, developments—including charges brought against Robert Jason Owens—have resulted in more questions than answers for the Asheville community.
Zebb Quinn’s disappearance remains unsolved, continuing to grip those who remember the case or hope for closure. Readers interested in true crime and cold cases are drawn to the puzzle of what happened that night in Asheville, North Carolina.
Background of Zebb Quinn
Zebb Wayne Quinn, an Asheville, North Carolina resident, went missing in January 2000 at age 18. He was known for his gentle demeanor and close relationship with his family.
Early Life and Family
Zebb Quinn was born and raised in Buncombe County, North Carolina. He grew up in Asheville with his mother and extended family, who described him as kind, polite, and even-tempered.
Family members often referred to Zebb as “docile and gentle.” He was noted for spending considerable time at home, favoring family gatherings and activities. Zebb attended local schools and maintained a small circle of close friends.
Quinn’s upbringing was described as stable, with a supportive home environment. His family has repeatedly emphasized his lack of history with risky behaviors or trouble with the law. These qualities would later underscore the confusion and distress following his unexpected disappearance.
Personal Circumstances Before the Disappearance
At the time he went missing, Zebb Quinn was 18 and worked at Walmart in Asheville. He balanced his job with attending a technical college, aiming to build a future in information technology.
He was reportedly in good spirits leading up to the night of his disappearance on January 2, 2000. According to co-workers and friends, Zebb had no known enemies and typically communicated openly with his mother about his plans.
On the night he vanished, he was last seen on surveillance footage at a Citgo convenience store with Robert Jason Owens. There were no prior warnings or indications that Quinn intended to leave or that he was in danger.
Timeline of the Disappearance
Zebb Quinn’s disappearance in early January 2000 sparked one of North Carolina’s most perplexing missing person cases. Key details from the hours and days surrounding his vanishing remain significant to understanding the investigation.
Events Leading Up to the Night
Zebb Wayne Quinn, 18, was a resident of Asheville, North Carolina, working at the Walmart on Hendersonville Road. Known as a reliable employee and a “good kid,” he had plans to buy a new car and was reportedly excited about looking at vehicles the night he disappeared. On January 2, 2000, Zebb finished his shift and made plans with a coworker, Robert Jason Owens, to check out a Mitsubishi Eclipse for sale.
The two left Walmart around 9 p.m. Owens later said Zebb followed him in his own car, a light blue Mazda Protégé. Both cars left the area, headed toward the supposed location of the vehicle. Zebb also briefly spoke with his mother earlier in the day, mentioning his excitement about possibly buying his first car.
The Night at the Convenience Store
Shortly after leaving work, Zebb and Owens stopped at a convenience store near Long Shoals Road. Surveillance footage captured both men entering the store but only Owens making a purchase. Zebb was seen on camera around 9:15 p.m., appearing calm and unhurried. After leaving the store, the two departed in their separate vehicles—Zebb in his Mazda Protégé, Owens in his pickup truck.
According to Owens, an urgent situation caused Zebb to leave in haste: he reportedly received a page and became distressed. He asked Owens to follow him, but shortly after, they became separated. That was the last confirmed sighting of Zebb Wayne Quinn. His car and personal belongings were not found with him.
Aftermath and Initial Search
When Zebb failed to return home and missed work, his family reported him missing to police. In the following days, investigators discovered Zebb’s Mazda Protégé abandoned in a parking lot near Little Pigs Barbecue in Asheville. The vehicle contained a number of odd items, including a live puppy, a hotel keycard, and lipstick—none of which could be easily connected to Zebb.
Despite widespread local media coverage, including reporting by the Asheville Citizen-Times, and ongoing searches, little new information emerged. Robert Jason Owens was interviewed by police, but for years, the case remained unsolved. Evidence from the convenience store and the vehicle deepened the mystery, establishing Quinn's disappearance as a high-profile missing person investigation in North Carolina.
Key People Involved
Authorities focused their investigation not only on Zebb Quinn’s immediate circle but also on those who had interactions with him around the time of his disappearance. These individuals played key roles in shaping the direction of the case and the search for answers.
Robert Jason Owens as Primary Suspect
Robert Jason Owens, sometimes referred to as Robert Jason Owen, quickly emerged as the primary suspect in Zebb Quinn's disappearance. He was the last person known to see Quinn alive on January 2, 2000, after they left work together to look at a car for sale. Owens later claimed to have been involved in a car accident that same night, which he said prevented him from seeing Quinn any further.
Investigators noted inconsistencies in Owens’ statements and actions following the disappearance. Years later, he was implicated in unrelated murder cases, raising further suspicion regarding his involvement in Quinn's case. In more recent developments, Owens accepted a plea deal related to Quinn’s case, pleading to a lesser charge rather than facing trial for murder. His connection to Zebb Quinn and subsequent criminal activity solidified his status as the central figure in the investigation.
Key Facts:
Last person to see Quinn alive
Provided inconsistent accounts
Accepted plea deal related to Quinn's disappearance
Denise Vlahakis’ Connection
Denise Vlahakis is Zebb Quinn’s mother. She played a crucial role in initiating the missing persons investigation. On January 4, 2000, just two days after Zebb was last seen, she filed a missing person report when her son failed to return home or make contact.
Throughout the investigation, Vlahakis worked tirelessly to keep attention on Zebb’s disappearance. She cooperated with law enforcement and frequently spoke to local news outlets to urge the public for leads. Her persistent advocacy ensured the case remained open and in public discussion, even as years passed without definitive answers.
Important Contributions:
Filed the initial missing person report
Actively engaged with media and police
Continued public appeals for information
Other Critical Individuals
A few other people played significant roles in the investigation’s early stages. Quinn’s close friends and coworkers at Walmart were interviewed and provided context about his character and routines. Some reported seeing Zebb interact with Owens before his disappearance, helping investigators piece together his last known movements.
Police also looked into other acquaintances and those with whom Zebb had recent contact to rule out alternative suspects or motives. While no other individual became as closely linked as Owens, these witnesses provided crucial statements that clarified timelines and verified Quinn’s last whereabouts.
Summary Table of Notable Individuals:
Name Role Notable Actions Robert Jason Owens Primary suspect Last seen with Quinn, plea deal Denise Vlahakis Mother Filed report, advocacy Walmart coworkers/friends Witnesses Provided statements
Investigation and Forensic Analysis
The search for Zebb Quinn involved coordinated police activity, systematic evidence collection, and the use of forensic analysis. Multiple law enforcement agencies and experts worked together to examine clues, analyze samples, and pursue leads in the case.
Law Enforcement Response
The Buncombe County Sheriff's Office became actively involved in the early stages of the investigation after Quinn was reported missing. Officers worked closely with Asheville Police, conducting interviews with Quinn’s acquaintances and reviewing surveillance footage from his workplace and nearby businesses.
Authorities quickly identified several persons of interest, including coworkers and individuals seen with Quinn on the night he vanished. Police conducted searches in the area where Quinn’s car was later found abandoned under suspicious circumstances.
Efforts included door-to-door canvasses and appeals for public information. The investigation remained open for years, with officers routinely re-examining case files as technology and new information became available.
Key Evidence and Saliva Samples
Major evidence collected included Quinn’s vehicle, which appeared abandoned and contained unusual items such as a Glock handgun clip, bottles, and a live puppy. Inside, officers found a jacket not belonging to Quinn and traces of blood, which underwent forensic analysis.
Saliva samples and other biological materials were collected from the car and from known associates of Quinn. DNA testing was performed to identify possible connections between the materials and persons of interest.
A timeline was constructed using phone records, surveillance footage, and receipts. The evidence was cataloged methodically, allowing investigators to return to it as new forensic techniques became available.
Forensic Techniques in the Case
Forensic experts used DNA analysis, fingerprint comparison, and trace evidence testing on substances recovered from the vehicle and other relevant locations. Items such as the bloodstains and saliva provided crucial leads when cross-referenced with DNA from potential suspects.
Testing extended to clothing and objects found at the site, including the Glock handgun magazine. Forensic databases were used to check DNA and fingerprint matches across previous cases. This scientific approach allowed for evidence re-examination as new methods, such as advanced saliva profiling, were developed over time.
The persistent application of forensic techniques helped authorities link suspects to the case. Years later, this played a role in connecting individuals—such as Robert Jason Owens—to Quinn’s disappearance through court-admissible evidence.
Subsequent Crimes Connected to the Case
Acts of violence and criminal conduct have surfaced that connect directly to individuals investigated in the Zebb Quinn disappearance. These later crimes expanded the scope of legal action and made the case more significant in North Carolina criminal history.
The Murders of Cristie Schoen Codd and Joseph Codd
Robert Jason Owens, originally a person of interest in Zebb Quinn’s disappearance, was later convicted of killing Cristie Schoen Codd and Joseph Codd in 2015.
Cristie Schoen Codd was a well-known Food Network star and was pregnant at the time of her murder. Joseph Codd, her husband, was also killed. Owens, who had worked for the couple as a handyman, admitted to accidental deaths but evidence pointed to a more deliberate act.
Authorities discovered their remains burned and concealed on Owens’s property. The brutal nature and methods of concealment shocked the community and intensified scrutiny on Owens’s history, especially given his connection to the earlier Zebb Quinn case.
Murder of an Unborn Child and Legal Ramifications
The Codds’ case gained additional significance because Cristie Schoen Codd was pregnant at the time of her murder. Owens was charged not only with the murder of both adults but also with the murder of the unborn child.
This aspect introduced additional first-degree murder charges under North Carolina law, which permits the prosecution of homicide when death causes the loss of a viable fetus. The charges elevated the gravity of Owens’s crimes and affected sentencing recommendations, adding complexity to courtroom proceedings and appeals.
This was a high-profile example of how North Carolina addresses crimes involving pregnant victims, influencing legal discussions throughout the state.
Break-ins and Larceny Ties
During the investigation, authorities found evidence of larceny and breaking and entering linked to Owens. He was accused of taking personal belongings from the Codd residence after their deaths.
These crimes included theft of electronics, collectibles, and other valuables. Forensic examination supported claims of unauthorized entry, as well as an effort to hide theft by destroying property.
These additional charges showcased a pattern of criminal behavior beyond homicide, encompassing theft and property crimes. These factors played a pivotal role in the prosecution’s narrative and ultimately contributed to Owens’s lengthy prison sentence.
Discovery of Human Remains and Case Developments
New evidence in the Zebb Quinn case, including the discovery of human remains and forensic details relating to a wood stove, has significantly altered the direction of the investigation. Media coverage brought fresh attention to evidence and suspects, complicating the picture of this North Carolina cold case.
Investigation Discovery Channel Coverage
The Investigation Discovery Channel aired detailed coverage of the Zebb Quinn case, providing broad exposure to the latest findings and the history of the investigation. Their segment highlighted unexplained details such as Quinn's sudden disappearance and the eventual discovery of his vehicle in Asheville.
The program featured interviews with local law enforcement and forensic experts. These discussions explored a timeline of events and reviewed clues, such as phone records and sightings of Quinn's car in the days following his disappearance.
Coverage emphasized the involvement of Robert Jason Owens, who was ultimately charged in connection with Quinn's death. Media attention from the channel helped bring new tips from viewers and renewed public interest in the now decades-old cold case.
Role of the Wood Stove and Other Evidence
A key development in the renewed investigation involved the discovery of burned human remains. Forensic teams focused on a wood stove located at a property linked to Robert Jason Owens, the primary suspect.
Investigators recovered bone fragments and other traces of human material from ash and residue inside the stove. Forensic analysis confirmed these remains were human, deepening suspicions surrounding Owens.
Other evidence, such as the condition of Quinn’s abandoned car and cell phone activity, reinforced the theory that foul play was involved. The use of fire to destroy evidence became a central element tying the wood stove and Owens to Quinn’s disappearance and suspected murder.
Legal Proceedings and Current Status
The Zebb Quinn case advanced slowly over two decades, with new developments emerging only in recent years. Legal actions have centered on the prosecution of Robert Jason Owens, leading to a plea agreement that has changed the direction of ongoing investigations and outcomes for those involved.
Charges and Courtroom Events
Robert Jason Owens was indicted in 2017 for the murder of Zebb Quinn, whose disappearance occurred in 2000. Owens, a former co-worker of Quinn, became the primary suspect after years of limited progress in the case.
In a pivotal development, Owens pleaded guilty to a lesser charge related to Quinn’s death in 2024. The plea was part of an agreement with prosecutors, avoiding a lengthy jury trial and allowing for a negotiated sentence.
This outcome ended years of speculation and legal delays. The court’s acceptance of the plea led to a sentence that did not include the most severe possible punishment.
Key courtroom events:
2017: Indictment of Owens for first-degree murder
2024: Guilty plea to a lesser charge
Multiple court continuations and hearings
Potential Death Penalty
The charge of first-degree murder initially brought the possibility of the death penalty into consideration. Under North Carolina law, murder cases involving aggravating factors may qualify for capital punishment.
However, as part of his plea bargain, Owens was not pursued for the death penalty. The agreement led to a sentence below the threshold for capital punishment.
This move spared both sides a protracted and emotionally charged death penalty trial, which often involves years of appeals.
The absence of a death sentence in this case reflects prosecutorial discretion, likely based on available evidence, the defendant’s willingness to plead, and considerations for the victim's family.
Consent and Rights of Victims
Victims’ rights are essential in North Carolina criminal proceedings. State law ensures the victim’s family is informed and consulted about significant legal developments, plea bargains, and sentencing outcomes.
In the Quinn case, the family was kept apprised of key decisions, including plea negotiations. Prosecutors sought their input prior to finalizing the agreement with Owens.
Victims’ rights include:
Notification of court actions
The right to be heard during sentencing
Input on plea agreements and post-conviction rights
The legal process aimed to balance prosecutorial strategy with the family's wishes, ensuring their voices were part of the resolution.
Media Coverage and Public Impact
The disappearance of Zebb Quinn quickly attracted the attention of local and national media outlets. Widespread reporting led to a focus on missing person cases in North Carolina and brought Quinn’s story to households beyond Asheville.
Press Coverage in Asheville Citizen-Times
The Asheville Citizen-Times provided detailed coverage from the early days of the investigation. Articles frequently included updates on police searches, new evidence, and appeals for information from the public.
Quinn’s photo and description often appeared in the print and online editions, making his case familiar to area residents. Updates included input from law enforcement and his family, highlighting their ongoing search efforts.
This consistent reporting helped keep the case in the public eye, sparking conversations around missing person cases in western North Carolina. Regular features and breaking news stories ensured that developments reached a broad audience, and Quinn’s disappearance became a reference point for local discussions on public safety and investigative procedures.
Ongoing Interest in the Missing Person Case
Interest in Zebb Quinn’s disappearance did not fade with time. Local and national media, including TV documentaries, podcasts, and news websites, continued to revisit the case over the years.
Outlets like Vocal Media and various television reports kept the mystery in the public conversation, especially after significant developments such as the discovery of Quinn’s car and legal actions involving suspects.
The persistence of media coverage has contributed to periodic spikes in public attention, especially on anniversaries of his disappearance or when related news emerges. Advocates for missing persons cite the case to underscore the need for resources and awareness in similar investigations, ensuring the story remains part of broader discussions on missing people nationwide.
