Waupaca homicide suspect denied bond to attend his mother's funeral

William Zelenski (Photo from Waupaca Co. Sheriff's Office)

A Waupaca man currently incarcerated on charges he shot his girlfriend’s son over stolen reptiles has been denied bond to attend his mother’s funeral.

William (Bill) Zelenski of Wild Bill’s Exotics and his girlfriend, Tiffany Powell, both of Waupaca, are incarcerated on homicide charges for the October 2020 shooting death of Tiffany’s 18-year-old son, Ryelee Manente-Powell.

The shooting was in response to the theft of exotic reptiles, according to court documents.

Zelenski admitted to officers that he shot Ryelee. Much of the altercation was caught on a nearby doorbell camera.

Court records indicate that after the shooting, Zelenski and Tiffany sat in their car while Ryelee bled to death in the street.

Zelenski’s mother passed away in early July and his lawyer submitted a Motion for Temporary Modification of Bond so he could be released from jail to attend her funeral on July 23.

The court today denied the motion and ordered Zelenski remain incarcerated. If arrangements can be made, Zelenski may attend the funeral remotely, according to court records.

Zelenski is due back in court September 7 for a status hearing.