Family seeks help solving mysterious death after missing man’s skull found in Indy park

INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis family and the metro police are searching for help in solving the mysterious death of a man who was reported missing nearly four years ago.

Zakchiria Tyler, 21, was first reported missing in July 2021.

In late March of this year, his family’s worst fears were realized when partial human remains belonging to Tyler were found in a wooded area of Dubarry Park.

“You don’t want to accept it, but I accepted it. It was hard,” said the victim’s mother, Tiffany Tyler.

Tiffany said her youngest son graduated from Warren Central and had set up a lawn care business before he vanished in the summer of 2021. He was quickly reported missing.

“You know our family is hurt and traumatized by this,” said Tiffany.

A short time after his disappearance, Zak’s car was found abandoned near the intersection of 36th and Gale, which is nearly six miles west of Dubarry Park.

Almost four years later, police found the victim’s skull in the park. Despite an extensive search, little else was recovered.

“That’s the hardest part. That’s like, ‘Okay, what happened to him?’ His skull is just lying there.  Where’s the rest of his body at?” asked Tiffany.

Police admitted to still not knowing how the young man died or who may be responsible.

“We don’t know what happened. We don’t know what happened the night he went missing,” said IMPD officer Tommy Thompson.

The coroner’s office confirms both the cause and manner of death are undetermined.

While the case remains a death investigation, IMPD has assigned a homicide detective to investigate.

“It’s very difficult when you have a loved one and you don’t know what happened to them. We want to solve that mystery, so please come forward,” said Thompson.

Zak’s mother just hopes the public can help solve some of the family’s many unanswered questions.

“How did he die? Did somebody murder him or was it natural causes? What happened and why?” asked Tiffany.

Anyone with information about this incident should call Detective TyAnn Lambert at the IMPD Homicide Office at (317) 327-3475 or e-mail the detective at TyAnn.Lambert@indy.gov. 

Alternatively, they can call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at (317) 262-8477 or (TIPS) to remain anonymous.