Miami Beach police say a 911 call and surveillance footage captured a violent struggle inside Justin Zelin’s high-rise apartment shortly before he fell 25 floors and died of blunt force trauma on Feb. 15. Investigators say audio from the call and video showing Zelin striking the pavement helped identify suspect Corey Hutterli, who was arrested on April 8. Authorities report blood on Hutterli’s shirt matched Zelin’s DNA; Hutterli faces second-degree murder and burglary with assault or battery charges. No motive has been released and prosecutors are preparing the case ahead of an upcoming arraignment.
911 Recording, Surveillance Footage Link Man to Death of Biotech Executive Who Fell 25 Floors
Justin Zelin (left); Justin Zelin's Miami Beach residence.Credit: Justin Zelin/Facebook; Google Maps
Miami Beach police say a 911 recording and building surveillance helped identify a suspect after biotech executive Justin Zelin fell 25 floors to his death on Feb. 15. Authorities allege Zelin was involved in a violent struggle inside his high-rise apartment shortly before he struck the ground; police later arrested 37-year-old Corey Hutterli in connection with the incident.
What Happened
Police say Zelin placed a 911 call at about 10:22 a.m. on Feb. 15 to report a disturbance in his unit. In the recording obtained by investigators, Zelin repeatedly tells a man identified by the alias "Sasha" — later alleged to be Hutterli — to "get away" from him. Officials say the audio contains sounds consistent with a violent altercation.
Surveillance footage from the building shows Zelin striking the pavement roughly eight minutes after the call began. Medical examiners determined his cause of death was blunt force trauma, according to police statements.
Corey Hutterli.Credit: Miami Beach Police
Arrest And Evidence
Responding officers encountered Hutterli leaving the building in an agitated state; witnesses reported he was barefoot as he hurried away. Officers say Hutterli appeared shocked on seeing police and asked whether Zelin had jumped, while claiming he had been attacked. Investigators later report that blood found on Hutterli's shirt matched Zelin's DNA, a detail that contributed to his arrest on April 8, one day after the suspect's 37th birthday.
Hutterli has been charged with second-degree murder and burglary with assault or battery, according to online court records. He has not yet entered a plea and has no attorney listed in the records; his arraignment is scheduled for later this month. Police have not released a motive or detailed the relationship between Zelin and Hutterli as the investigation continues.
About The Victim
Zelin worked in the biotech sector in Miami Beach, according to his LinkedIn profile. Colleagues’ tributes described his work as rigorous, thoughtful and collaborative; one memorial statement called him an "extraordinary mind" and a trusted friend to many in the field.
Note: This is an active criminal investigation and the charges are allegations. Court proceedings will determine guilt or innocence.
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