WI v. William Zelenski: Stolen Reptile Murder Trial
UPDATE: A judge sentenced William Zelenski to life in prison with the option to apply for extended supervision after 35 years. More
July 28, 2023
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William Zelenski
William Zelenski was sentenced to life in prison for killing his girlfriend's son, whom he had accused of stealing thousands of dollars in animals.
Stolen Reptile Murder Trial: Victim’s Family Speaks
Ryelee Manente-Powell spoke following the verdict in William Zelenski's murder trial, saying they were grateful to the jury and prosecution. (6/23/23) More
June 23, 2023
Prosecution Reacts to Verdict in Stolen Reptile Murder Trial
Prosecutors said that William Zelenski's claims were 'beyond ridiculous' and gave thanks to the jury for their verdict. More
June 23, 2023
Stolen Reptile Murder Trial: Victim described as ‘loving and mischievous’
In the letter, Ryelee's Manente-Powell described him as 'troubled and struggling' but also 'unexpectedly witty, loving and mischievous.' More
June 23, 2023
Jury Reaches Verdict in Stolen Reptile Murder Trial
The jury asked two questions during their deliberations before returning a verdict in the trial of William Zelenski. More
June 23, 2023
Exclusive: Photo Shows Ryelee Manente-Powell’s Family Praying
Ryelee Manente-Powell's family also released an exclusive statement to Court TV talking about the young life lost. More
June 23, 2023
Stolen Reptile Murder Trial: Defense Closing Argument
Defense attorney Timothy Hogan told the jury, 'You saw tears in (William Zelenskis's) eyes. That's a man who cared about Rylee.' More
June 23, 2023
Stolen Reptile Murder Trial: Prosecution Closing Argument
Prosecutor Veronica Isherwood said Rylee's death is an intentional homicide, not self defense, while delivering her closing argument. More
June 23, 2023
Stolen Reptile Murder Trial: Day 4
William Zelenski told the jury that he attempted to de-escalate the situation with Ryelee before the deadly shooting. More
June 22, 2023
Stolen Reptile Murder Trial: Zelenski Returns to Stand
William Zelenski returned to the stand for cross-examination in his homicide trial for the death of Ryelee Manente-Powell. More
June 22, 2023
Stolen Reptile Murder Trial: Day 3
Tiffany Powell testified that her son, victim Rylee Powell, didn't try to take the gun and that William Zelenski shot him. More
June 22, 2023
Stolen Reptile Murder Trial: Zelenski’s Romantic Relationships
The relationship between William Zelenski, his wife April, and his girlfriend Tiffany Powell is centerstage at the trial. More
June 21, 2023
‘I Had No Intention of Fighting’: William Zelenski Describes Shooting
William Zelenski became emotional on the stand, saying that Ryelee tried to grab the gun from him before it went off, killing him. More
June 21, 2023
Stolen Reptile Murder Trial: Zelenski Takes the Stand
William Zelenski said that he was concerned about the welfare of his exotic animals after a robbery at his home. More
June 21, 2023
William Zelenski Becomes Emotional on the Stand
William Zelenski began to cry on the witness stand as he testified that he never intended to kill the Ryelee Manente-Powell. More
June 21, 2023
Stolen Reptile Murder Trial: Victim’s Mother Testifies to Night of Murder
Tiffany Powell testified about the night her son, Rylee Manente-Powell, was allegedly killed by her boyfriend, defendant William Zelenski. More
June 21, 2023
Stolen Reptile Murder Trial: Victim’s Mother, Defendant’s Girlfriend Testifies
Tiffany Powell testified her son, Rylee Manente-Powell, never grabbed a gun from defendant William Zelenski. More
June 21, 2023
Stolen Reptile Murder Trial: Jury Sees Defendant’s Texts
Waupaca Police Capt. Paul Benzschawel testified to text messages found on William Zelenski's phone that were sent the day of the shooting. More
June 20, 2023
Stolen Reptile Murder Trial: Day 1
William Zelenski's defense attorneys claimed the shooting was accidental, as opposed to offering a self-defense argument. More
June 19, 2023
Stolen Reptile Murder Trial: Neighbor Shares Surveillance Video
Joseph Brown testified that he heard a lot of yelling and what sounded like a fight before he heard a gunshot. More
June 19, 2023
Stolen Reptile Murder Trial: Zelenski’s Wife Testifies
During cross-examination, April Zelenski testified that Bill's number one goal was to find his stolen animals and bring them home safely. More
June 19, 2023
Stolen Reptile Murder Trial: Opening Statements
The prosecutor says Bill Zelenski killed his girlfriend’s son, over allegedly stolen guns and reptiles. The defense says it was an accident. More
June 19, 2023
On the Docket: WI v. William Zelenski
William Zelenski is charged with homicide in the death of his girlfriend's son, whom he had accused of stealing exotic reptiles. More
June 15, 2023
