Life—With ‘Parole’
She was sentenced to life in prison.
That was over two years ago.
But on Thursday, March 22, 2007, she walked out of prison a free woman, never again having to face the charges that had put her there to begin with: conspiracy t
o commit murder. Her children and husband greeted her upon her arrival at their 8,000-plus square-foot mansion. A black SUV with tinted windows drove up the long driveway and into the arms of her waiting family.
I began researching Cynthia George—who is 53—early last year. She is a major player in a book I have been working on titled IF LOOKS COULD KILL. In a nutshell, Cynthia was at one time a gorgeous, former Mrs. Ohio America runner-up. She is married to wealthy Akron, Ohio, restaurateur Ed George, and between them have raised seven children. One of those children, however, was fathered by 44-year-old Jeff Zack, a married father himself, who had carried on a ten-year affair with Cynthia—that is, until someone put a cap in the back of his head on June 16, 2001, a sunny Saturday afternoon, as Jeff sat in his truck at a BJ’s Wholesale Club Warehouse gas station just outside downtown Akron. A masked man, dressed in all black with a black helmet and face shield drove up to Jeff on a ninja-style motorcycle, fired one money shot and took off. There were several witnesses, but nobody saw a thing.
Subsequently, a man was arrested for Jeff’s murder, some scrappy thug with big muscles and a chip on his shoulder—but who also happened to be another one of Cynthia’s many, many lovers. There is no question about these facts.
A classic true crime story with so many twists and turns it took me months just to figure out who all the players were and where they fit in. The Akron Police Department’s Crimes Against Persons Unit did a spectacular job investigating the case, tracking down no fewer than two dozen suspects. For more than a year, they had not a clue as to who could have killed Jeff Zack. Then a break. Then an arrest. Two trials. Two convictions. One conviction—the shooter—was upheld by the court of appeals.
Yet, in an unprecedented move, the 9th District Ohio Court of Appeals overturned Cynthia’s verdict this week and ordered her freed from prison. The community is outraged. Those I’ve spoken to involved in the case on all levels are heartbroken and tortured by the ruling. The judgment was two to one: two judges believed Cynthia was found guilty on shoddy circumstantial evidence, while one maintained that she is guilty. Majority rules. The woman is out and about. The way the ruling was written, she can never be tried again for the same crime.
The lead prosecutor in the case is sick. The detectives are speechless. One witness, who I interviewed extensively for my book, is scared for his/her life.
The odd thing about this reversal is, Cynthia chose to be tried in front of a judge, not a jury. Judge Patricia Cosgrove heard her case, weighed the evidence, found her guilty.
Yet now she’s free and people are devastated—with the exception of Cynthia’s husband and children, who have stood behind her all the way. A husband, mind you, who sat in court and heard salacious details of Cynthia’s many extramarital affairs. Cynthia had even written love letters to the man they arrested and convicted for Jeff Zack’s murder while he was on trial. He never dropped a dime on her and says he is innocent, too.
For me, I’m torn: this is a remarkable twist in a book with so many already. But it is also an incredible series of events, knowing what I know about the evidence and the exclusive information I’ve uncovered while working on the book. I studied the evidence ad nauseam. I lined it up. I went back and spoke to witnesses and challenged all of the testimony best I could. I’m plagued by a feeling of injustice. I feel there’s more to this. I’ve been told by several sources that an extended family member of Cynthia’s once got a sentence of 23 years for a major crime—but he, too, was out inside three years.
What’s going on in Akron? It’s a cliché to say the poor guy—the shooter—who couldn’t afford a dream team defense is in jail for life and the rich girl—Cynthia George—is free.
But that is the truth.
Is she innocent? According to the appeals court there was no evidence to prove otherwise.
Truly remarkable.
[CR Note: The photo is of Cynthia George, circa 1999, taken by the victim, Jeff Zack.]
March 26th, 2007 at 9:43 am
Can’t wait to read your book. There are so many rumors flying around about this case in Akron right now. It certainly has all the ingredients for a best-seller. Just when you think it can’t possibly get weirder it does.
March 26th, 2007 at 10:00 am
The sad thing is it doesn’t matter anymore if she is or is not guilty. According to the law she is innocent and can never be tried again. No amount of evidence pointing to her guilt will make one bit of difference. Everything comes around though and if she is guilty she will get hers in time.
March 26th, 2007 at 10:58 am
I think most of Ohio has a thing for pretty white women who kill their bed partners. You should hear the story about the one about 15 miles from my town.
March 26th, 2007 at 11:20 am
Well the Supreme Court can overrule the Appeals Court if they decide to hear the case. That wouldnt be double jeopardy.
March 26th, 2007 at 11:51 am
Let’s hope it goes that route.
Lilo~ What’s the story near your town?
March 26th, 2007 at 1:01 pm
What doesnt make sense to me is why she would kill the boyfriend. What was the motive? Her husband had the money. She couldnt just dump him?
March 26th, 2007 at 1:27 pm
She has the toothy smile of a narcissist. And I don’t like her even though I’ve never heard of her before today.
The only thing that means anything in situations like this is what TXMichelle said. Who knows what that looks like exactly, but it’s gotta be true.
March 26th, 2007 at 1:37 pm
But did you read that Cleveland Plain Dealer article where Cindy finally gave an interview and talked about the night that Jeff Zack forced himself into her house?
I, for one, believe the Lord wanted Cindy out of prison:
Paula Mooney: The Cindy George Appeal: It Ain’t Just a Hoped-For Retrial
March 26th, 2007 at 2:08 pm
For the record, there is no evidence supporting Cindy’s claim in this article. She never testified to this court. As for motive, Jeff Zack fathered one of her children–and Cindy kept this hidden for as long as she could, when she was forced (by police) to bring the child in for a DNA test. There’s evidence that Jeff threatened to take the child away from her and move out of the country. Also, there’s evidence that she wanted to end the affair with Jeff but he didn’t want to. Thus, he wouldn’t leave her alone.
March 26th, 2007 at 2:12 pm
Paula- I read your blog link, and am not following you very well. Are you saying that you think God wanted to circumvent our justice system? Are you saying she didn’t commit a crime? Or are you saying that prison isn’t appropriate for her because she’s some sort of a princess? Or is that your obligated to defend her because she granted you an interview?
Your God talk is confusing to me.
March 26th, 2007 at 2:37 pm
Ok, thats good motive. Thanks Matt. The boyfriend that killed the other boyfriend. He hasnt turned on her yet? Or is he still claiming innocence?
March 26th, 2007 at 3:54 pm
So that no one is forced to wade through Paula Mooney’s blog in order to find the article she referenced, here’s the link to the Cleveland Plain Dealer story – http://tinyurl.com/2u4qpd
March 26th, 2007 at 4:11 pm
What’s up with the J.Z. initials? A- I agree the blog was unfocused. I gave up midway through the second paragraph of glamorizing this woman.
March 26th, 2007 at 6:37 pm
WoW! The Ohio appellate courts in general are not exactly known for their pro-defense opinions. I don’t know about the 9th circuit.
The opinion is at
http://www.sconet.state.oh.us/rod/newpdf/9/2007/2007-ohio-1264.pdf
“Although the state established that Rohr-George’s current lover murdered her former lover, it failed to present sufficient evidence that Rohr-George solicited or procured him to commit the murder.”
Knowing nothing about the case but based solely on reading the opinion it looks like a solid decision.
March 27th, 2007 at 5:19 am
From what I have read it does look like a solid decision. The only qualm I have about all this is he brought it on herself with her own actions. I can see how if Jeff was acting the way it says he was (there is a history of violence) she would have felt compelled to end it. Still she could have gone to the police.
March 27th, 2007 at 5:19 am
Was there an American Justice or some other show done on this story?? I swear I saw it one night about 6 months ago.
This will surely be one of those books that I won’t be able to put down. Thanks for all of your hard work Matt, looking forward to reading it.
March 27th, 2007 at 6:32 am
I love the title too, If Looks Could Kill. Excellent play on words. Matt, did you get to interview George, or are you going to? I’d love to hear your opinion of her.
March 27th, 2007 at 7:02 am
Ummm, that blog and the article from the Plain Dealer both really scare me. Are these people really that much deceived?!? A few gems:
“George wanted to testify, but she said her lawyers, Robert Meeker and Michael Bowler, refused to put her on the stand.” – Don’t your lawyers work for you? Can they actually refuse to let you testify, rather than just strongly advise against it?
“Suddenly George had a second man to juggle in her double life.” – What a casual way to talk about a married woman and mother of 7 carrying on simultaneous affairs with two men.
And don’t get me started on that blog owner’s comparing herself to Truman Capote. Pitching this story to magazines as “In Hot Blood?” Please…
I will give Cynthia this – she’s done a fine job of making herself out to be a victim of seemingly anyone and everyone in her life. Her husband who worked too much…her out of control lovers…her lawyers who wouldn’t let her tell her story on the stand…even her kids, for Pete’s sake, apparently they literally sucked the life out of her during her pregnancies. Blech.
March 27th, 2007 at 7:17 am
I’m saving a lot of what I uncovered, of course, for the book, really sorry about this, I know it’s a tease. … I can say this, Cindy speaks to those who will move her agenda forward. I have interviewed a lot of people who know Cindy quite well. On top of that, the volumes of files connected to this case are immense: I found a lot of interesting info in those documents.
Yes, there was an “American Justice” on this case; and Dateline is in the process of editing an hour–should air next month, or so I’m told.
March 27th, 2007 at 11:27 am
TXMichelle-
Actually we have two.
Helen made a plea deal, and received 10 years. Not only did she shot her ex husband, but then she used the gun to prevent anyone from coming to help him as he laid dying. Her children seen the whole thing.
http://www.wktn.com/public_html/archives/24March2004.html
Then, we have Kim Anderson, who completely got off. Her children were home when it happened, but I can’t recall if they seen it. This case happens to be really interesting, and divided the town over the claims of abuse.
http://www.dailystandard.com/date/2002/10/30/news/headline2.htm
I’m not promising anything- but if you are pretty and white, and have a desire to kill your husband… Ohio is a friendly place to do it. As long as I’m not on the jury. Because I’d have to convict you
March 27th, 2007 at 5:03 pm
I wonder if there is something to the fact that she requested a trial by Judge and the Judge that was appointed to her case? I hope if that is the case someone uncovers this. Lookes ever more suspicious that she has had a relative released early as well. That would make a good story.
March 27th, 2007 at 5:24 pm
I stated elsewhere that it is interesting that she choose to have an affair with a violent man and she just so happened to start up another affair with a man that would commit an act of violence. Seems well thought out to me.
March 28th, 2007 at 7:26 am
It definitely does. That is some kind of hold she has over all these men too. You’d think that at least the husband would be less than enthusiastic about having her back. I promise, I just don’t understand some people.
March 28th, 2007 at 11:12 pm
She is as guilty as the day is long. The evidence was circumstantial but just like so many other cases it was damning circumstantial evidence. She bought the “Ninja style” bike for her “lover”,she bought the murder weapon, they spoke on the phone directly before and after the murder, and there was documented evidence of a previous attempt to kill Zack on May 8. They missed a conviction on that solicitation charge though, because (even though the Judge believed it was an attempt to lure and kill Zack), there was not enough evidence. Zaffino had no motive to kill Zack without George. He had no money to even support himself, yet he receives money from George for the gun, motorcycle and helmets, and $100 for the trip he took right after the murder to get rid of the bike. The plot to kill Zack began on May 11th after the failed attempt on May 8th. And after Zaffino was convicted for killing the father of one of her children she continued to write love letters to this man. When cops first questioned her after Zack’s murder she claimed to be “just friends”, yet forgot to tell them about the 10 year affair and child. She’s a manipulator of the Nth degree and deserves to rot in jail. The most enlightening statement Cindy ever gave was to the Judge right after the verdict: “I did not do it,” she told the judge in a soft voice. “I know it points that way, but I didn’t. I was just seeking help.” Looks like she’s gotten plenty of it!
March 29th, 2007 at 9:48 am
God has nothing to do with the American Justice system. I believe He wil deal with Cynthia all on His own. Can’t wait for the book!
April 2nd, 2007 at 11:49 am
I’ll bet her current hubby is CONSTANTLY looking over his shoulder!!
April 13th, 2007 at 5:35 am
Naw, Jeanie. Ed George has to be the most willing cuckold in recorded history to have anything to do with Cindy now. She’d never find another sucker like him.
April 30th, 2007 at 9:34 pm
What is it lately with women getting away with cold-blooded murder? After the Mary Winkler verdict I am so angry–if she was a man the crime would be worthy of the DP or LWOP at the very least!
I hope the Supreme court does hear the George case and over-rules the appeals court!
What I don’t understand is why it was overturned with prejudice in the first place???
Btw, I check in on this blog as much as I possibly can! Love it here, and just ordered Gregg’s book on-line!
CJaye
NH
May 4th, 2007 at 6:55 pm
After hearing her speak it made me sick. She wrote letters to the killer while in prison, telling him how much she missed hin, and people call her misunderstood? Manipulator more like it. Its been all about HER. Her kids were just insurance to her husbands millions. If Zack was so abusive why spend 10 years with him?
She could have bought him off.
She used her looks to get a rich man- used her babies as insurance for income from this man. She was no dummy when it came to taking care of #1, but she was ignorant, which got her pregnant probably more than once by accident, and had a paper trail mile high covering her a@@.
She will pay the ultimate price someday, and she knows and it shows. Look how ugly she has gotten in a few short years. The ugly is now coming from the inside out.
May 4th, 2007 at 7:32 pm
I agree with with statement:
She has the toothy smile of a narcissist. And I don’t like her even though I’ve never heard of her before today.
She is a master of minipulation.
A really really good actress.
Of course her husband backs her up!
Wouldn’t he have to pay up at the divorce?
Cheaper to keep her?!?!
You decide!
The REAL sad part of this is her hurting children.
May 6th, 2007 at 5:48 pm
I just saw this story on Dateline. I’m truly shocked she is free! It is SO obvious that she is guilty! Nobody could make up a better story it has it all money,beauty,adultery,murder and a messed up justice system. Nobody could write a fiction book this good.When is the book coming out? I cant wait to read it. She is a complete narcissist. I read a family member of hers got away with a big crime to. Im sure money talks but it is strange that her husband is still defending her after hearing about all of her affairs makes me wonder if he had someting to do with the murder also,because it semms like Zack was over there constantly he had to know something was up maybe she has blackmail on her own husband so he standing by her maybe the mafia has ties who knows this is definetly an interesting case!
May 7th, 2007 at 11:21 am
I can’t wait for this book! I grew up in the same town, went to school with Cindy and worked with her for a few years. She is NOT so innocent. I saw the Dateline feature this past week… I hope when and if they ever make a movie, they get a better actress then her. I liked the way she blamed everyone her troubles. My family was poor, my husband worked too much, Jeff raped me, my pregnancys gave me migranes.Get the cheese out!!
If Cindi does not go back to prison, her new hell will be living with a husband she obviously married for $$$ and living in a community that is not soon to forget about this one!! NO more beauty pageants. Maybe a good reality show!
August 26th, 2007 at 1:09 am
She is innocent
September 14th, 2007 at 8:23 pm
Has Jeff Zack’s mother and / or widow thought of suing civilly? Then Cindy George would have to testify – remember OJ?
September 25th, 2007 at 3:11 pm
I just saw this case on TV and after thinking about it a bit this is my conclusion – If you can believe that someone could make it look like one lover killed another then by the same token is it such a stretch to believe someone else could have made it look like Cindy orchestrated it. I don’t know if she is guilty or not, but I have watched Dallas. JR could have made it look like he was the suffering shmo when in fact he set it all up, including hiring people to have affairs with his wife…. True this is not TV but it could have been the husband or the wife or it could have been someone else altogether…. because its circumstantial evidence all around -
September 27th, 2007 at 12:39 pm
Let me know when the book comes out! I bet atleast 50% of her former classmates and towns people will be buying it! (North Canton)
I wish there would be a civil case against her! I am not saying she planned the murder…but the Cindy I know from school and work…planted a seed in that fellows head(zaffino). She spun her web and he fell into it! Now he sits in prison…and she is out shopping again! Down side for her …. and she has to share a bedroom with her husband again. I’ll take prison!!!
March 8th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
[...] In this exclusive guest post by M. William Phelps he shares for the first time his opinions regarding Cynthia George and the murder of her lover, Jeff Zack. [...]
June 16th, 2008 at 11:35 am
I am constantly surprised when I read peoples responses to the Cynthia George case, that these are not the first things that come to there minds. Everyone seems to be looking “inside the box”, “she got off becasue she’s rich, “pretty”, manipulator, etc.” When I learned about this case, these were the first things I thought of:
**** Her husband is rich and powerful in Akron, I am sure he has influence, and that he has many connections to the most powerful people in the surrounding areas.
***** I am surprised people don’t look at him for having the motive more. Don’t you think he was living in a state of constant embarrassment, his well known socialite wife is constantly having affairs with other men, and she is not so secretive about it. She also is not stingy with the boyfriends. She bought him a rare motorcycle, who I am sure is the only one in the area to own one like it, and everyone is going to know where it came from…….Cynthia = her husband money. Wouldn’t this make you furious and vengeful? It would be enough for any normal person to commit a crime of passion.
******* So, Only a 100% brain-dead person would commit an act of murder on a one of a kind motorcycle, which would automatically link you to the murder? That is silly. No one would commit a crime of passion in the way the murder was executed. It sounds like a cold, calculated, hired job. Anyone that is as rich and influential as the George’s……it is not hard to beleive that the husband knows some organized crime members.
******* When it all comes down to it, I think the facts and evidence do not match up, simply because it was made to look like her boyfriend did it, when it was all set up to look as if he did. This is the only theory that makes sence. I thought of this theory the first time I read all about the case.
The people who are so brain washed as to think it’s becase she’s a “Pretty, Rich, White female”, are the people who the husband probably knew would have such one-dimensional opinions, and he would be totally overlooked. Everyone is concentrating on the boyfriends/lovers, and Cynthia, it is like they are ignoring the pink elephant in the middle of the room.
July 12th, 2008 at 11:39 am
Ed George is in no way involved simply because you never put the smokin gun anywhere near any person, place, or thing involved with your life. Cynthia knew all about what was gonna happen and in her opinion was justified. You never threaten a woman and her child and Jeff did just that. She made a mistake and it was fucking in a bed that wasn’t her husbands. In my opinion if you mess with another mans treasure you wind up in the trash……….GOLDEN RULE
October 26th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Okay, I just watched Snapped and then googled Cindy George and found this site. I enjoyed reading everyone’s input until I got to the comments about being “pretty and white”. My husband beat, sexually assaulted and stalked me. He has a friend in the Petaluma Police Department in California. They “lost” the photo’s of what he did to me and have refused to file sexual assault charges on him (I have been trying to file them since he assaulted me on May 17, 2007). I am pretty, white and come from a well respected family. Not only did that not help me but I have moved 3 times in 10 months and the law STILL hasn’t helped me. Cindy George got away with murder because she was smart and they couldn’t pin it on her. It doesn’t change the fact that she is a murderer an no one will forget it. I can only hope that if my ex finds me I get half of the police work Jeff Zack did. God knows they haven’t done a damn thing to protect me in the last two years.
November 13th, 2008 at 11:16 am
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Coach Scott, A forty- …
December 12th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
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March 22nd, 2009 at 12:50 am
I have read everyone’s opinion and I respect all of them…but my question is this…thoughout all of the trials, appeals, the “sweet” homecoming, and the afterlife of this muder sensation, what about the child of this affair? So much focus is put on this woman who may or may not deserve our sympathy or attention, giving her maybe what she wants, fame. There is a child who is left without a father to get to know; a child in a situation where everyone knows her heritage and circumstances. I feel for this child, I don’t know how she feels but any normal child in these type of situations might feel like they don’t belong or don’t know where they belong. I hope Ed treats her well and does not hold her mother’s actions against her.
March 28th, 2009 at 11:42 am
All this situation just makes me sick, sick , sick , sick. Cythia George is so guilty it’s not even funny. She found a “Patsy” who was so intio her he was so wlling to do what she wanted. Poor him, had he known he cou;d halve probably make a “killing” just hetting a “blow job”. Cindy – you are so dispicable, so scumb of the earth, so to the point that I want to beat you to a bloody pulb. I can”t stand you. Did the $ mean that much?
June 3rd, 2009 at 5:06 pm
This is a travesty of justice. It just had shown what money can buy. As simple as that! America is not full of stupid people instead there are wise individuals around. This is a very unwise decision made by the appellate court. Common sense are not used! How a lover could kill a previous lover without conspiracy? That money flowing in his defense is more than enough. The motorcycle used in the crime?
June 4th, 2009 at 7:00 am
I can not believe all of the people having a specific opinion on this case. How many “know” she is guilty or innocent?? The only ones who know are the ones who committed the crime and those directly involved. I have only seen the movie and read some of the blog replies and can not decide what is true and what is false. You get the feeling that these people are guilty but so much of the evidence collected by the police was never submitted which would lead me to believe that they wanted only damning evidence to get out to the public so as to direct public opinion. I am not that gullable. Unless I am part of the trial procedings and have heard/seen all evidence, I do not propose to be a psychic that can know a person’s guilt or innocence based on what has been presented. In my opinion, the appeals court based it’s decision on the evidence and I believe a judge has a stronger knowledge of the burden of proof when it comes to evidence. Who am I to condemn, I haven’t heard/seen what they have and anyone who criticizes them should ante up with the evidence that “proves” them wrong!!!!
I love all the wrong information being created out there. Several things I have read expand on the evidence such as: “her many, many lovers” (two lovers constitute many, many?) and “several of her children are by her lover” (funny, only the youngest was tested and proved to be fathered by another man other than her husband but the public knows better HUH????) What makes me sick is people who expand on an already sensational story just to prove their point! Don’t lie, get your story straight and don’t support evidence condemning a person until you have heard all the evidence available (which noone but the police have had available to them).
Guilty or not guilty, she has had her day in court and they have ruled! Only God can punish from this point on and He knows the truth so don’t any of you worry that she has gotten away with anything!!!
July 20th, 2009 at 2:17 am
Just watched a documentary here in New Zealand on this case… How this woman can live with herself, kiss her husband and children and attend her church is beyond belief !?
I suppose the main thing is she doesn’t care what we think, or her husband or indeed her children… let’s hope that she cares what her beloved God thinks… as, when she draws her last breath here on Earth… she WILL be judged… and she ain’t going to like the results in THAT case!!!
Her eternal burning in hell may just be the just rewards for her deception and self asorbtion that anyone who hears this story hopes she gets … at THAT point maybe then she will realise this World and all in it were not indeed here for her to play some sick, selfish game with.
My thoughts are with her family, I do feel for them… to support a woman that so obviously thinks and expects their unwavering love even after all the deception she’s showered them with… they are indeed the only ones with that surname that deserve our thoughts and sympathy.
Cindy, you live with yourself… you believe your own lies… you SHALL pay for all you’ve done… it just may not be in this lifetime and in the way you think… but you HAVE NOT fooled the biggest judge of all.
I’m not even a religious person… but even I can see what awaits you ! Your blindness and naivete is a sad thing to see in another human being!
August 7th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Having taken some law classes and attending numerous court cases, I could not have found her guilty on the evidence. I have noticed that many people cannot make an impartial decision about someone they detest. Cindy George’s actions certainly were detestable.
As for the husband, who was probably in shock, had to make a decision for his family. I don’t think I could have stayed, but I don’t have seven girls. I don’t even want to try to speculate on their emotional state if a divorce were added to their burden, and at ages where they really need a mothers advice.
I think an appropriate action would have been the following: In a public square, strip Ms George naked, hang her by her wrists from an overhead beam and proceed to whip her a*s.
November 5th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
I am not her judge nor her jury, but believe whatever she did or didn’t do will be taken care of when she checks to see her name in the book of life. I just have one question, after seeing the broadcast on Dateline, where are the tears. I never saw any. It just reminds me of other cases,that later was proven to be trueand admitted, such as Susan Smith, etc. She tried real hard to cry and acted like she was hurt, but there were never any tears…I just wonder about that. Where can I get the book? Would love to hear what you discovered.