Miami, FL

Miami biotech executive was followed into his condo by man who allegedly threw him from 25th floor

Published

on


A Miami biotech executive was followed into the skyscraper where he lived by the man, accused of pushing him off the building’s 25th floor, newly-released surveillance video shows. 

Justin Zelin, 35, was seen walking into Miami Beach’s 47-story Akoya Condominium with a bearded man Corey Hutterli, 37, following behind on Feb. 12 — three days before his death, NBC6 reported. 

Zelin, who was wearing a casual outfit, threw away some trash in a garbage can before walking up to the entry door in the high-rise condominium’s parking lot, unaware he would fall to his death.

Justin Zelin was seen walking into his condo building just three days before his death. NBC6

Hutterli, who was wearing a bucket hat, was following closely behind, carrying bottles of alcohol.

Advertisement

Just three days later, Harvard graduate Zelin called 911 to report a disturbance. During the call, he ordered Hutterli to leave the apartment, WPLG reported.

Zelin, who had worked as a biotechnology equity research analyst at BTIG since January 2021, reportedly shouted, “Get away from me Sasha,” using a nickname Hutterli was known by.  

There was a bust-up and cops said, “During said physical altercation defendant Hutterli caused victim Zelin to perish due to blunt force trauma.”

Zelin’s body hit a path on the ground floor, according to surveillance video recorded eight minutes after the 911 call.

Hutterli’s defense team claimed Zelin “went over the balcony” after an alleged mental episode.

Advertisement
Corey Hutterli faces murder charges after allegedly pushing Zelin off his balcony. NBC6

They claimed Zelin, who was identified as JZ in court documents, screamed at Hutterli in “what can only be described as a complete break with reality.”

“JZ can be heard ranting, claiming that he was killed by a homeless person, and insisting that he is dead.

“During this mental break, JZ ran in and out of the apartment, and then he went over the balcony of his 25th-floor condo and fell to his death.”

But the state of Hutterli’s body suggested something more sinister had happened. He had scratches on his cheek, and a cut on his thumb. 

Zelin fell from the 25th floor of the Akoya Condominium building in Miami Beach. NBC6

He was also in what “appears to be an excited state, according to police.

Advertisement

“What’s going on?” a shoeless Hutterli asked one officer.

“Somebody, he freaked out, attacked me.” 

The cop asked Hutterli if he was alone, to which he replied, “No I don’t know where he is.
“I kept telling him to relax.” 

Hutterli then blurted out, “What is the situation? Did he jump?”

Pals described Zelin as ‘one of the best biotech analysts.’ Justin Zelin / Facebook

Cops then searched the apartment – which had items strewn inside – and they found Hutterli’s bucket hat. 

Advertisement

There were blood spatters on the rails, and clumps of Hutterli’s beard hair were also found. 

Blood was also found on Hutterli’s shirt – and they found ketamine in his bag. 

Hutterli was arrested on April 8 and faces a second-degree murder charge, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Cops were able to make an arrest after Zelin’s DNA was discovered on Hutterli’s jacket.

He also faces burglary with assault or battery, possession of a controlled substance, and drug paraphernalia charges.

Advertisement

Tributes, meanwhile, were paid to Zelin following his death.

“Justin was one of the best biotech analysts I have ever worked with,” friend Amit Jolly wrote on Linkedin. 

“His work was rigorous, thoughtful, and deeply coordinated.

“He had a rare ability to see around corners and articulate complex ideas with clarity and conviction. 

“Our field has lost an extraordinary mind, and many of us have lost a trusted voice and friend.”

Advertisement



Source link

Leave a Reply

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

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Trending

Exit mobile version