Corey Hutterli is accused of killing Justin Zelin after a struggle inside a Mid-Beach condo.
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — A Parkland man accused of throwing another man from a 25th-floor Miami Beach balcony is seeking bond as prosecutors continue a murder case tied to a February death at the Akoya Condominium.
Corey Hutterli, 37, remains jailed on a second-degree murder charge in the death of Justin Zelin, 35. The case has drawn new attention after officials released video showing the police response and moments surrounding the Feb. 15 incident at 6365 Collins Ave. The central issue now is whether Hutterli will remain held without bond while the case moves forward.
Police said Zelin called 911 at 10:22 p.m. after an altercation inside his condo. Investigators said dispatchers heard him tell someone to get away from him and use the name “Sasha,” which police said was an alias linked to Hutterli. The call then went quiet, but the line stayed open as sounds of a struggle could be heard. Officers arrived at 10:31 p.m., about one minute after surveillance video showed Zelin striking the pavement outside the building.
According to an arrest report, officers found Hutterli leaving Zelin’s unit in an excited state, sweating and wearing only socks. Police said he made several statements, including that Zelin had attacked him and that Zelin had gone to the elevator. Investigators said they later found signs of a struggle leading toward the balcony, open balcony doors, Hutterli’s sandals on the balcony and blood on the railing where Zelin fell.
Newly released surveillance video showed a condominium staffer rushing toward Zelin after the fall. Another clip from three days before the death showed a man who appeared to be Zelin entering the building with Hutterli, who appeared to be carrying several bottles of alcohol. Police said they also found Zelin’s cellphone on the bathroom floor, pieces of Hutterli’s beard in the living room and more beard hair inside Hutterli’s backpack.
Hutterli’s attorney, David Sobel, has said the case is circumstantial. “There is no eyewitness to any alleged act that causes the deceased death,” Sobel said after Hutterli’s arrest. He also said there was no admission from Hutterli and no direct proof showing how the fatal injuries were caused. Police said cuts and scratches on Hutterli, the 911 call, surveillance video and evidence inside the condo support the murder charge.
Zelin’s death has also left friends and family seeking answers. Amit Jolly, a friend of Zelin, said Zelin should be remembered for more than his final moments. Jolly described him as active in the Jewish community and the biotech field. “It’s one of those things where the more answers you get, the more questions you have,” Jolly said.
Hutterli also faces charges of burglary with assault or battery, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to use. Police said ketamine was found in a jacket inside his backpack. The connection between Hutterli and Zelin has not been fully explained in public records.
Hutterli remains in custody as the court weighs his bond request. The next major step is a judge’s ruling on whether he can be released before trial.
Author note: Last updated June 2, 2026.