Local father reacts after police arrest man accused of murdering his son in California

LONG BEACH, Ca. — Jeff Kennedy got the news he’s been waiting three years to hear.

Police in California arrested a man in the murder of Kennedy’s son, Zachary, who was missing for six months before his remains were found in a backyard in Long Beach.

Scott David Leo, 54, is accused of murdering Zachary Kennedy, who is from Butler County.

“Nobody should die like Zach died and no family should have to grieve and wait six months because someone’s trying to hide him in a backyard,” Jeff Kennedy said.

You can customize your WPXI News App to receive breaking news alerts. CLICK HERE to find out how.

Kennedy was living in Long Beach when he disappeared in October 2017. His disappearance was featured on Dateline and has been the subject of NBC News reports.

A major break in the case came in May 2018 when detectives served a search warrant on a home, the last known place Kennedy visited. They dug up the backyard and found human remains. Those remains were identified as Kennedy.

Long Beach police said Kennedy and Leo had a “personal relationship,” but they are still investigating a motive. They believe it is an isolated incident.

Leo was arrested at his home Monday. He was booked for murder and is being held on $2 million bail in the Long Beach City Jail.

“In the back of my mind there is anger but I’m a better person than that,” Jeff Kennedy said. “Can I forgive him...I don’t know.”

Father talks about discovery of son's body 6 months after disappearance Father talks about discovery of son's body 6 months after disappearance

Cox Media Group