A Florida man, Corey Hutterli, 37, has been charged with second-degree murder following the death of his friend, 35-year-old Justin Zelin, who fell from a 25th-floor apartment balcony.
911 Call Captured Alleged Struggle
According to investigators, Zelin called 911 on Feb. 15 and was heard telling Hutterli, referred to as “Sasha,” to leave his apartment. During the call, dispatchers reportedly heard signs of a struggle after Zelin repeatedly asked him to get out. His voice then went silent.
Fall Caught on Surveillance
Surveillance video from the condominium building captured the moment Zelin’s body hit the ground at approximately 10:30 a.m. Police arrived shortly after and found Hutterli outside the building in an agitated state, without shoes.
Statements and Contradictions
Hutterli told officers that Zelin had attacked him and claimed he had left the apartment when asked. However, surveillance footage showed him exiting the apartment about a minute after Zelin’s fall, contradicting his account.
Evidence Inside the Apartment
When officers searched the apartment, they found it in disarray with open balcony doors. On the balcony were Hutterli’s sandals and blood on the railing. Investigators also discovered tufts of beard hair throughout the apartment, later identified as belonging to Hutterli.
Additional Findings and Injuries
Police later found Hutterli’s backpack inside the apartment, which also contained beard hair. Authorities believe this may have been an attempt to remove or conceal evidence. The backpack also allegedly contained ketamine.
Officers observed cuts on Hutterli’s hands, scratches on his arms, and missing patches of beard hair, suggesting a physical altercation had occurred.
Forensic Evidence and Arrest
DNA testing later matched Hutterli to blood found on the balcony railing, while blood on his clothing was linked to both men. Based on the evidence, Hutterli was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and burglary with assault and battery.
Legal Proceedings Underway
Hutterli is currently being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center without bond. During a court appearance, his defense attorney argued there is no direct evidence or eyewitness proving how the fatal incident occurred. His next court date has not yet been announced.
