A 46-year-old former sheriff’s deputy in Wisconsin, William Zelenski, has been convicted of first-degree intentional homicide for fatally shooting his girlfriend’s 18-year-old son, Ryelee Manente-Powell. The tragic incident, which took place in 2020, was the result of an alleged dispute over the theft of exotic animals, alcohol, and firearms. Following a five-day trial, a Waupaca County jury reached the verdict on Friday.
The trial proceedings concluded with Judge Raymond S. Hubor ordering a presentencing investigation to be conducted before Zelenski’s sentencing hearing, scheduled for August 22. Prosecutors have requested that the hearing be held over Zoom, allowing at least one person affected by the shooting to read a victim impact statement. Additionally, Judge Hubor granted the prosecution’s motion to revoke Zelenski’s bond before calling for a recess.
During the trial, Zelenski and Tiffany Powell, Manente-Powell’s mother and Zelenski’s girlfriend at the time of the shooting, both testified about the events that unfolded on October 19, 2020. Zelenski dialed 911 that night, alleging that Manente-Powell and an accomplice, Ashton Tody, had stolen valuable animals, including a lizard worth $17,000, a baby Burmese python valued at $7,000, a Nile crocodile worth $2,000, and a boa constrictor worth $575. He also claimed that firearms and alcohol had been taken from his property. Zelenski stated that he shot at Manente-Powell in self-defense after the teenager attacked him.
Prosecutors, however, emphasized that Manente-Powell was unarmed and highlighted the fact that Zelenski did not offer any assistance after the shooting. Powell was present at the scene when her son was killed and initially provided a statement to the police suggesting that her son was preparing to fight Zelenski. However, footage from a doorbell camera contradicted her account, showing Zelenski handing Powell the gun, which she then pointed at her son before returning it to Zelenski.
Powell, who previously pleaded no contest to first-degree recklessly endangering safety and guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, has already received a 15-year prison sentence. She testified first during the trial, confirming that her son demanded Zelenski put the gun down but never put the firearm down himself. She further affirmed that Manente-Powell did not physically assault Zelenski and remained unarmed throughout the entire encounter.
Zelenski took the stand next, breaking down in tears while discussing the shooting and its aftermath. He claimed that he initially sought law enforcement’s assistance after discovering where Manente-Powell allegedly kept the stolen animals. However, Zelenski stated that he became fearful when he saw Ryelee running in the street, shouting threats and challenging him to fight. Zelenski asserted that he retrieved the shotgun from his car out of fear for his safety, as he believed Manente-Powell was closing the distance between them.
When questioned about his intentions on the day of the shooting, Zelenski denied actively seeking out Manente-Powell or intending to cause him harm. He repeatedly emphasized that his sole intention was to locate and safely return his animals home. Zelenski vehemently denied having any intent to shoot, kill, or cause the death of Manente-Powell that night.
As Zelenski faced these questions, he responded with visible emotional distress, shaking his head and covering his mouth. Overwhelmed by grief.
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