WAUPACA, WI-Three people are now facing charges in connection with a murder in Waupaca on Monday.
Police were called out for a shooting that took place at Van and Shearer Street.
“Officers located an 18-year-old male who was lying in the street with an apparent gunshot wound,” said Captain John Helgeson of the Waupaca Police Department. He says the victim was taken to the hospital and later died.”
According to the criminal complaint, the shooting was retaliation for the theft of exotic animals.
The report alleges that William Zelenski shot the 18-year-old and then called police to report that he was being attacked. It is alleged that the victim and 17-year-old Ashton Tody stole two handguns, some alcohol and reptiles that had a value to over $27,000 dollars.
According to the complaint, Zelenski discovered the thefts and sought out the individuals. When Zelenski and the victim met up, Zelenski was challenged to fight and that is when the gun was pulled. It was also alleged that the victims own mother, 34-year-old Tiffany Powell pointed the gun at her son before Zelenski took the weapon and allegedly shot him.
Zelenski is charged with first-degree intentional homicide. Powell has been charged with being party to the crime of homicide and possession of a firearm by a felon. Tody is charged with burglary, theft and additional charges.
The reptiles that were reported stolen included a lizard valued at $17,000, a crocodile valued at $2,000, a red tail boa constrictor valued at $575 and a baby Burmese python valued at $7,000.
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