Courtesy photo Waterloo Police 

Jeffery “Jo Jo” Zolliecoffer

Jeffery “Jo Jo” Zolliecoffer

Homicide

Jeffery “Jo Jo” Zolliecoffer
23 YOA
Cedar River
Waterloo, IA
Black Hawk County
September 7, 1989

Black Hawk County in Iowa

Waterloo in Black Hawk County

On Friday, September 15, 1989, a child playing by the Cedar River told nearby adults he had found a mannequin or body in the river. When police were notified at 6:40 p.m. that day, they discovered the body of Jeffery “Jo Jo” Zolliecoffer about a half-mile north of Waterloo’s business district.

Zolliecoffer, 23, had been shot three times, including a shotgun blast to the back of the head. His body had been wrapped in a quilted blanket, secured with copper wiring, and looped through two cement blocks.

Waterloo police believe it took several days for his body to rise from the river.

Zolliecoffer’s case went back eight days to when he was reported missing from Goodies II, a bar formerly located in the 100 block of Sumner Street. There were conflicting reports of whether Zolliecoffer left the bar on his own will or was forced out by several men. However he left, this is the last time any known people saw Zolliecoffer alive; he was reported missing on September 9, 1989.

A September 16 autopsy performed by Forensic Pathologist Dr. Peter Stevens of the State Medical Examiner’s Office determined Zolliecoffer died of a gunshot wound to the head. Waterloo Police Sgt. Lyle Ames ruled the death a homicide.

Police have followed up on many leads over the years but have not made an arrest.

Some family members believe the murder was drug related while other members advised Zolliecoffer was against anyone who used drugs. To this day, the family hopes a new lead will come in and provide closure after all these years.

Jeffery Zolliecoffer was born November 3, 1965, and attended Waterloo schools.

Information Needed

Anyone with information about the cold case murder of Jeffery “Jo Jo” Zolliecoffer is asked to call the Waterloo Police Department at 319-291-4333 ext. 3, or Cedar Valley Crime Stoppers at 855-300-TIPS (8477). Anyone with information leading to an arrest is eligible for a $1,000 reward.

Sources:

• Investigator Brice Lippert, Waterloo Police Department, February 27, 2013, April 1, 2013
• Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier (via Investigator Brice Lippert)
• Cedar Valley Crime Stoppers
• Information sent to Iowa Cold Cases from Jo Jo Zolliecoffer’s friends
• United States Social Security Death Index
• “Jury finds Waterloo man guilty of first-degree murder — twice,” Cedar Rapids Gazette, September 6, 1990
• “Waterloo man died of gunshot wound,” Cedar Rapids Gazette, September 19, 1989
• “Body Identified,” Cedar Rapids Gazette, September 18, 1989