A fatal fall from a 25th-story luxury condominium in February has resulted in a second-degree murder charge following a months-long investigation involving DNA evidence and a desperate 911 recording.
On April 8, authorities arrested 37-year-old Corey Hutterli in connection with the death of Justin Zelin, 35, according to court documents obtained this week.
The incident began on February 15 when Zelin placed a call to emergency services shortly before he was killed. On that recording, Zelin can reportedly be heard telling an individual he called “Sasha” to leave his residence. Investigators later determined that Sasha was a known alias used by Hutterli.
When officers arrived at the condo building, they encountered Hutterli as he was attempting to leave the premises.
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Police noted he was wearing socks but no shoes. At the time, Hutterli allegedly claimed that Zelin had “freaked out” and attacked him, though he told officers he did not know where Zelin had gone. Without being prompted by police, Hutterli then allegedly asked if Zelin had jumped.
While Hutterli reportedly refused to speak formally with detectives, officers documented visible injuries on his body, including scratches on his hands and cheek, as well as a missing patch of hair from his beard.
Surveillance footage from the building captured the moment Zelin struck the pavement after falling from the balcony.
The investigation centered on the balcony of the 25th-floor unit, where detectives discovered a droplet of blood. DNA testing eventually linked that blood to Hutterli, supporting the theory that a violent physical altercation took place before Zelin went over the railing.
In addition to the murder charge, Hutterli faces a count of burglary with assault or battery. He is currently being held without bond as the legal process moves forward.
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