Bodycam footage released in Miami Beach high-rise murder; suspect granted bond

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Newly released body camera footage obtained by Local 10 News captures the moments after a man fell from a 25th-floor balcony at a Miami Beach condominium, as a judge considered whether the friend accused of pushing him to his death should be granted bond.

Read more Where Trump has lost support with independents, according to AP-NORC polling

The video, along with a frantic 911 call made before the fall, was presented during a court hearing on Thursday for 37-year-old Corey Hutterli, who investigators say faces a second-degree murder charge in the death of 35-year-old Justin Zelin.

Judge Cristina Miranda on Thursday ultimately granted Hutterli a $150,000 bond.

In body camera footage shown in court, Hutterli told responding officers that Zelin had suddenly attacked him.

“What’s going on? Suddenly he freaked out and attacked me,” Hutterli said.

Jurors also heard a 911 call in which Zelin pleaded with someone identified as “Sasha” to leave his apartment.

“Get away from me Sasha, stop. Please leave right now,” Zelin said.

Prosecutors allege Hutterli pushed Zelin from a balcony at the Akoya Condominiums on Collins Avenue on Feb. 15 following a struggle between the two men.

Defense attorneys argued the state’s case is circumstantial and pointed to a toxicology report showing Zelin had fentanyl, cocaine and ketamine in his system at the time of his death.

Read more Officials search tornado-damaged areas after strong storms hit Illinois and Indiana

The defense contends the drugs may have caused an altered mental state and said the evidence does not support the state’s theory of the case.

While granting bond, Miranda said the 911 call did not conclusively establish that a murder had occurred.

“Could definitely be the victim of a murder, but the 911 call is not evidence of that,” Miranda said. “The 911 call leads me to believe it’s someone suffering from a drug-induced psychosis.”

Outside the courtroom, Hutterli’s mother said she believes her son is innocent, while defense attorneys said they plan to seek dismissal of the charges.

Jail records show Hutterli also faces charges of burglary with assault or battery, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Read more Supreme Court nixes Alabama request for nitrogen execution, which lower court ruled unconstitutional

🏠 News From Your Neighborhood
Latest headlines from:
Miami-Dade
Broward
Florida Keys

Cities
Miami
Fort Lauderdale
Coral Springs
Davie
Deerfield Beach
Doral
Hialeah
Hollywood
Homestead
Lauderhill
Miami Beach
Miami Gardens
Miramar
Pembroke Pines
Plantation
Pompano Beach
Sunrise
Tamarac

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *