Recently released surveillance footage reveals that a Miami biotech executive was trailed into his residential high-rise by a man who allegedly pushed him from the 25th floor. This tragic incident involved Justin Zelin, 35, and occurred at Miami Beach’s 47-story Akoya Condominium on February 12, just three days before Zelin’s untimely death, as reported by NBC6.
Zelin was casually dressed as he entered the condominium, disposing of some trash in a nearby bin before heading towards the entrance in the parking area. Unbeknownst to him, this would be a precursor to a fatal encounter. Following him was 37-year-old Corey Hutterli, identifiable by his distinctive beard and wearing a bucket hat, with bottles of alcohol in hand.
Events took a darker turn three days later when Zelin, a Harvard alumnus, made an emergency call to 911, citing a disturbance. During the call, he demanded that Hutterli vacate his apartment, according to WPLG. Zelin’s desperate plea included him shouting, “Get away from me Sasha,” referencing a nickname associated with Hutterli.
Zelin had been employed as a biotechnology equity research analyst at BTIG since the start of 2021, a promising career tragically cut short under mysterious circumstances.
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.
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.
He was also in what “appears to be an excited state, according to police.
“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?”
Cops then searched the apartment – which had items strewn inside – and they found Hutterli’s bucket hat.
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.
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.”
