I I think you would only remember if you were holding a firearm and pointing it at your own son, though. >> There was just a lot of yelling and screaming. >> Okay, I'm going to say some honest difficult things here. I mean, I didn't see you shed a tear last night when I was talking to you. >> I I know me as a parent, I had I lost a child. I I I can sympathize with you. I I can understand what that might be like. What would you say if I watched that video and I saw Bill tell you specifically to hold the gun on your son and I have video of you holding that gun, pointing it right at him. >> I might have held the gun. I don't know. >> This is the moment Big Bill hears that the victim is dead. While he reacts, let's dive into the details. In October 2020, exotic animal dealer Big Bill Zalinsky and his girlfriend Tiffany Powell tracked down her 18-year-old son Riley over stolen reptiles and guns worth thousands. A street confrontation turned deadly when Zalinsky handed Powell a shotgun, which she pointed at her own son before Zalinsky shot and killed the unarmed teen. This is the interrogation of Big Bill and his girlfriend Tiffany Powell. The full case summary is in the video description followed by criminal conviction and sentencing details at the end of the video. First, I want to say sorry for your loss. >> So, the reason I called to speak with you is I understand no none of the officers had a chance or the opportunity to speak with you yet. So, we want to get your side of the story on what what the events of this evening or like yesterday evening were. So, if [snorts] you could kind of explain the what happened to me uh yesterday evening for me. >> We seen Riley walking down the street. We stopped him and Bill started yelling at each other. Um Riley went at him with Bill's shot. >> Okay. Let's if you can go back further in the day for me like how how did we get to the point that Riley and Bill you know got to the confrontation. >> Bill was robbed a couple days ago and it was Riley. >> Okay. How did he come to that conclusion that it was Riley that did that? There was um there was pictures of bottles on Riley's Snapchat from Bill's where Bill was stolen from Bill and um a lady called Riley's friend that helped him steal that his mom that had all the animals at her house. >> Do you know who the mom is? >> Angela. >> You know Angela's last name? >> No. And this was Ashton's >> mother or stepmother or >> mother. Do [snorts] you know where she resides >> in? >> Okay. >> Um >> so she called it in. No, she called um she called um a friend of mine and they called me and told me that the animals were at the house. >> Okay. So, that's what occurred earlier today. That's how Bill found out today. Or >> Bill found out earlier today because of the Snapchat, but after he already called the police and talked to him when we seen Riley, we were on our way to go. We go to get the animals back. >> Okay. So, you were on your way to we to Angela's Okay. What was the reason he confronted Riley? >> Okay. Where were So, prior to this, where were you coming from? >> Um, from Main Street talking to the police officer >> at 111 where you reside. Yeah. Okay. >> And then, uh, so then you were in route to Wuea. >> Just kind of explain to me um, so you left the apartment. Would you what route did you take? >> Um we went um >> if you don't know street you just describe businesses or whatever. >> Okay. So did you >> Okay. So you took Main Street here to Badger. So you went past Dairy Queen and then School Street past the rec center. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Where did he pick up that he where did you guys see Riley? And we seen him. I don't know. He went into van street >> from school or like >> I don't know. >> Did Bill see him or did you see him? >> We both seen him. >> Okay. >> We turned around. >> Okay. So, did you go past Shear Street, which comes up there? >> I think so. >> Oh, I'm just going to draw a picture here just so I understand. So, it's kind of that weird intersection here. Not the greatest drawer. So, if the rec center is over here, you were heading down school street this way out of town towards uh Royaltton in Churchill. So, this is Van and this is Shear. Whereabouts? So if you can just kind of point on there where you saw Riley. >> Um like right here. >> So he was in between Shear and Van on school >> I think. I don't know. >> Okay. Which do you know which direction he was walking >> from the jail? >> Okay. So he was walking >> like off of Royaltton. We seen him on that straight. >> Okay. So further down. So this bends and turns into Royaltton here. So that's where you saw him more down here. >> No, we seen him up more, but that's where he was coming from. >> Okay. So you saw him closer to Van Street. >> Mhm. >> And then So what where did you turn around? Right at Van or did you go >> at Van? >> Okay. So Bill made a left right on the van. Mhm. >> And where did where whereabouts on the street did he confront him or stop or >> I don't know like in the middle of it. >> So like right here? >> Yeah. >> Like halfway down Van Street, >> I think. >> Okay. >> Okay. Where were you in the car? In the >> in the passion, but I was out um I was out. I was um asking Riley why he would do what he did. And he just wanted to fight Bill. just kept trying to he threw off his jacket and everything to attack to try to fight Bill. >> Okay. So, just kind of going back here a little bit. So, you turned down here and van stopped. What happened once the vehicle came to a stop? >> They got out and he him and Riley started yelling at each other. Okay. >> I was yelling about the police coming to his house and Bill was yelling about his stuff being stolen. >> [snorts] >> Okay. So, it was verbal at that point. What transpired beyond the, you know, with the arguing? Do you recall any particular words that were said by either Riley or Bill? >> No, I don't I don't know. >> Were you saying anything to Riley? >> Yeah, I was yelling at him for stealing. >> Okay. >> And he said he told me I was dead to him. >> That's what he said to you. Riley did. >> That's all I really remember. Okay. How much have you two talk lately? >> We talk all the time. >> So why what would make him say that type of statement to you? >> Because I said I knew where he stole from and that he was lying to me that I wasn't going to take his lies and he needs help. >> Okay. What does he need help with? >> He's a drug addict. He was a drug addict. >> Okay. What did he did he say? Why he took the items that he took? >> He he wouldn't admit to me. >> Okay. So he was denying it the whole time. >> Said that we were on our way to recover him from his friend's house and he kept denying. >> Okay. Was Riley the only one there? >> So it was just you, Bill, and and Riley. >> Yeah. >> Okay. [snorts] Do you recall about what time this was? >> No, like 10 p.m. >> Okay. All right. So, going back to the verbal argument, you how did things kind of transpire? Like you said that Riley threw off his jacket. >> So, do you recall like what else happened? >> Riley just started [snorts] coming like he was going to untap him and I I thought that he would tase him, but I guess he shot him. I don't know. >> So, when you say coming at him, like what was he doing? >> Trying to went to swing on him or something. [snorts] >> Did you see Riley try to do that? >> Yeah. >> Okay. And what did Bill do in reaction? >> So, he he didn't try to fight, you know, block the any of the swings or anything like that. He just >> he didn't see anything. Where were you? So, where was the car? >> Did you Did you pull off to the right side or the left side? Do you remember? Cuz it's kind of a wide street even though it's just a oneway. >> Um, [snorts] the right side. >> Okay. Where were you seated in the vehicle before you got >> in the front? >> Mhm. >> Okay. Where were you standing in relation to like the vehicle and Riley and Bill as this was all going down? >> Do you recall? >> Like behind the car? No, like behind the car. >> Okay. So, if this is the car, [snorts] so you were behind the car. If this is the front, >> where were Bill and Riley? >> On the side. >> So, they're on the driver's side of the car >> or like a lot further. I don't sure. >> Okay. So, how much time would you say had elapsed from the time that you guys stopped her to the time that Bill shot at Riley? >> Not very long. >> Like 15 seconds or >> maybe like a few minutes. >> Okay. So, you were there a little bit arguing back and forth. >> You don't remember any particular words that were said? Okay. Um >> except my brother said I was dead to him. >> That's one thing that sticks to you. >> Um so Ashton wasn't there during this? >> No. >> Okay. Do you know Ashton? >> Um a little bit. >> Okay. Do you know his last name? >> No. How long ago had you met Ashton? >> Like a week ago or so. >> Okay. And where was Riley living? >> He was on for He lived on 400 mil street. >> Okay. Still in that upper apartment over there. >> Okay. Where did you meet Ashton at? >> I never seen Ashton. Oh, where did I meet him? >> Yeah. >> At [snorts] Riley's house. >> Oh, he was up there a week ago. Okay. All right. Did Ashton ever meet Bill? >> Okay. So, after the shot was f Why? Well, going back, you said you thought he'd tase him. >> Yeah. >> What did he have a taser? >> I think his jacket usually has one. Oh, so he does usually carry one like that. Okay. When did you realize that Riley had been shot? >> Okay. So, did you call or did he call? >> I think I made a hand on the phone to him. I don't >> Okay. So, Bill told you to dial 911. >> [snorts] >> What was said after that? Do you recall anything? >> Not really. >> Bill didn't say anything. >> And he shot wrong. >> Okay. Where were you? Were you still behind the vehicle or you moved? >> I went to the inside the vehicle to get the phone. >> Okay. And was it your phone or was Bill's phone? >> It was Bill's phone. Okay. And where was Riley during this in relation to the vehicle? >> Behind like way behind it. >> He was behind it at this point. >> So they had started off on the driver's side >> during the verbal argument and then ended up behind the vehicle, >> I think. >> Okay. So once you made the call, you said you gave the phone to Bill. >> Yeah, I think so. >> What did you do then? You remember? >> What did Bill do? >> I don't remember. >> Okay. Do you remember what he did with the gun? >> I was on top of my car. >> Okay. You don't recall anything he might have said? Is that call 911? >> I know that. >> Okay. Going back to when you were leaving downtown and and planned to go to WA. Was anything said when you saw Riley? Like did he say, "Oh, there he or there's Riley." Or did you say anything? I remember. >> Okay. What did he just turn around? >> Yeah, I think so. [snorts] >> How did the conversation like did you initially approach Riley when the vehicle came to a stop or did Bill who was the first one to initiate the conversation there? I think both of us I don't really remember. >> Both you and Bill. >> They're both talking. >> Okay. Did you tell yell at him to stop or did he stop when he saw it? >> He us pull and he ran towards us. >> Oh, he ran at you guys. >> Okay. Did he say Did you hear him say anything? >> He was screaming something out of >> He was screaming at you guys or you or at Bill or both of you? >> I don't know. You didn't hear what he was saying? >> I don't remember. Okay. >> And that's when you both ex exited the vehicle. So >> Okay. So, how how long was it after uh you dialed 911 that officers had arrived? >> Was it rather quick or >> I think so. Okay. What had transpired between the 911 call and the officers arriving? Anything? >> Was Riley saying anything? >> No. >> Okay. He wasn't talking after being shot with Bill saying anything after hanging up with 911? I don't think so. >> Okay. Did you say anything to either Bill or Riley? Okay. And after officers arrived, then what transpired there? >> You don't remember any of that? Okay. Do you remember going to the hospital? >> Yeah. >> How did you get there? >> Um Riley's friend. >> Do you know who that friend is? >> Were they at the >> at the residence there? >> No, they pulled in after everything. >> You don't know who it was? Was it somebody young? >> Yeah. Two girls. >> Two girls. And they gave you a ride over there. >> Yeah. >> Do you know Tara? >> Yeah. >> Wasn't her? >> No. >> Was it somebody that resides with her or >> No. >> No. Do you know who all resides with Tara? >> Her daughter. >> She just have one daughter >> that lives there. >> Okay. Who's that? Dear >> station. >> Okay. Do you know what type of car that these girls picked you up in? >> Grandia. >> And that was a sedan. Like a car. >> Yeah. Or blue. I mean blue. >> Okay. So they just arrived on the scene there and then they took you over there and then did they leave or stay with you? >> They left. >> Okay. And when you were at the hospital were what was going on there? >> Like were you >> were you with Bill or with your son or >> my son? with your son. Okay. Did you ever was he ever talking at all any of the time you were with him? >> So you stayed there with him >> and then upon leaving there, where did you go? >> I went back to Bills and picked up my son. >> Okay. Out at the East Road. >> Okay. And then you came back to >> was our parents and then we went and found George. George >> meeting Rowan's dad and he raised Riley to tell him what happened. >> Okay. Where's George living now? >> Was in Iowa. >> Okay. So, is Rowan with you yet or? >> Yeah, he's in the car right now. >> Oh, he is. Okay. Are you planning to stay with Shannon for now or? >> We're just going to go there for the night. I guess my apartment was broken into. >> Okay. You hadn't been back to the apartment yet? >> Okay. Yeah, it was it was broken into and I April went over there and secured everything. So, um So, going back to the uh the theft, I know you've spoken to officers about that. Just see if I can Yeah. So, just going back to the theft that occurred when >> I see anything. >> Okay. That was what the around the 14th, I think, or something. Okay. And so, what items were taken >> um out of his car? Guns were taken um and uh from his house animals and like alcohol and stuff were taken. >> Okay. Are these all items that Riley knew he'd had? >> Okay. What would be the reason that Riley would take these items? >> Okay. It wasn't like a a grudge or anything he had against Bill. It was just to probably finance his his habit or >> and he was mad at him too cuz we said we wouldn't help him anymore. We didn't go to rehab and um him and he said he was going to um he tried to fight Bill and um uh Bill said he was better than him and I think Riley took that personally and maybe that was part of reason he stole from him too. >> And when did all that happen? That happened the day before he was brought. >> Okay. And where did that take place? >> At my apartment. >> Right here on Main Street. Okay. [snorts] What kind of led up to that conversation? Just trying to get him into rehab or >> Well, um Riley came over and I told him come in because he said he promised to go to rehab and um like I said I was going to enable him and want to do this to his life and um he tried to come in. I said, "No, he came in anyway." Phil told him to leave. And then that's when Riley and then he started yelling at Riley start yelling at him throwing. >> Okay. That that incident never got reported. Okay. So then you're saying the next day is when these items at Bill's place went missing, >> right? >> Okay. And then when did he reported those? The same day or when? >> Yeah. So, so we're at roughly what about 5 days later now. You'd found out like you'd said you found out from through a friend that Angela had the animals, >> right? >> And then through Snapchat is where you'd seen Riley had was posting images of the guns >> or >> the gun wasn't his that he posted it was a bottle of alcohol that he got from Bill's house. Like it was a bottle like an old school gin. >> Okay. >> Kids wouldn't really buy. >> So it was liquor that was seen on the Snapchat >> and that was seen by who did that got passed to you? >> No. Riley left his Snapchat on my phone. I went into it. >> Okay. Is that the only item you saw on his Snapchat that was uh a stolen item >> was liquor? >> Yeah. So was it it was assumed that he had taken the guns as well because of all the items were missing at the same time, >> right? >> Okay. Was it ever reported by a friend or anything that he had the guns? >> McKenzie and his ex said that he uh took guns and sold him or something. >> That'd be McKenzie Madro. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Did she say who he sold him to? >> Okay. Did she say when or anything? Did was she able to describe the guns? >> No, she just said her sister seen in Snapchat. >> Okay. But there was no further description to be able to verify that they were bills. >> Okay. [snorts] Um, what else was taken besides the animals, the liquor, and the firearms? >> It was like some money out of the car and an old phone. >> Okay. Was that ever observed anywhere or seen or >> Okay. And he denied Riley denied taking any of these items. >> Right. >> Okay. Which was learned first, the Snapchat on the liquor or the animals? >> The Snapchat. >> Okay. And how >> they'll call the police about it. >> When was that learned? >> Today. that. So today was the Snapchat. So then later today was when you learned about the animals. >> Okay. And that again that was through a friend that knows Angela. >> Who is the friend? >> Danielle. >> Danielle. What's What's Danielle's last name? >> I don't know. >> Is it Is it Ash? Any relation to Ashton? >> His stepmom. So, Daniel Toad. Does that sound right? Daniel Toad. >> I think she also goes by like Bozinski or >> that's her main name. >> Okay. >> All right. So, she's the one that told you that Angela had them. >> Angela three called me together. >> Okay. So, the three of you were talking on a party call. >> Yeah. And that's when Angela told you that she had the animals. >> Okay. And then when did you when did Bill learn this? >> At the same time. >> So he did you had on speaker or something? >> Yes. >> And this is you were at the apartment here. >> Yeah. >> Okay. And that's just prior to leaving >> or was in the car. >> Okay. So you were in the car by the apartment on speaker phone. >> Yeah. And that's when you were learning of the animals and you made a plan to go to WA. Okay. And then that's when you were heading down School Street and saw Riley walking from Royaltton and confronted him. Did you have any communication with Riley or did Bill through Snapchat, Facebook Messenger? anything questioning him on these? >> No. >> Okay. When you would have conversations with Riley, was it usually face to face or would you >> Well, we confront him face to face, but I talked to him yesterday and told him I locked him like that's all [snorts] >> on Facebook. >> Okay. Did you call him or just message him? >> I messaged him. >> Is that how he stays in contact with a lot of people is just through Messenger? Yeah. >> Okay. >> And calls on Messenger and stuff. >> Okay. Is that how Bill communicates with a lot of people or is he call to or >> Okay. Um that phone number I called you is a good number for you. >> Yes. >> Okay. Um, I can't think of any other. Do Can you think of anything that uh maybe you forgot or maybe I didn't ask you about tonight that was sad you overheard? Maybe you saw. >> Okay. Did you ever see any Riley with in possession of these stolen items? >> No. Okay. Maybe now that you got some sleep and had some time, maybe some stuff will come back. Um, so prior to running to Riley, take me back maybe an hour before that as to what was going on like what you and Bill were up to and >> his house. We found out that >> out on just below when >> Okay. Out on East Road. Okay. >> And um it was Roger Teter that Riley was probably the one that stole from him. So he called the police. Uh he was talking to Jeff Larson to make sure that Riley stayed at his house so the police could arrest him. >> So Riley stayed where? >> At Riley's house. >> At the Mill Street. >> Yeah. >> And was April at the East Road address during this? >> Yeah. >> Okay. All right. So, um then I Bill and I left April um at the house with Rowan to uh go meet with the police. >> Okay. >> Uh we talked with the police and then >> one of the city officers. >> Yeah. >> And that was at the apartment on Main Street. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> And then we went um then we're in the car. We got a call from Danielle. So we went to Wawa or we're going to go to Wiga and Riley. Uh there was an argument and Riley went to attack him. >> Okay. So the firearm that was involved, when was that uh was that in the car the whole time? >> Yes. >> So when was that put in the car? When you were out at East Road or when you were down here >> on Mill Street? I mean on uh Main Street. >> Okay. So, the firearm was being kept at the Main Street apartment. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Was it already loaded there? >> I don't know. >> Who who put the firearm in the vehicle? >> Uh >> okay. And where was the firearm kept in the vehicle? >> Um in the back >> on the back seat or in the back floor or >> like the back floor, you know. >> Okay. All right. So you left the uh the main street apartment to go to WGA. >> Um so obviously some other things have come to light since last night when I talked to you. So where exactly did you see Riley? >> Cuz like like I said, so if you're on school again, van cuts off. >> I don't know where his school he was. He was on the main road until you turn onto the uh dead end. >> So like up in here right before the turn. >> Yeah, I think so. >> So did you guys turn the vehicle in front of Riley and go down the road >> or did you turn after he started walking down the road? >> We turned first. >> Okay. And so then you came down to the end and parked in front place. >> Yeah, I guess so. >> Okay. So, what transpired once you guys were parked? >> Um, Riley came running at the vehicle. There was an argument and then Bill shot. >> Okay. [snorts] I need to know a lot more of the details from the point that you guys parked the car. >> Okay. Did Bill ever hand you anything to hold? He never handed you anything? >> No. >> Did he ever say any Did Bill ever say anything to you? >> No. So, >> okay. So, once the When did the firearm get taken out of the vehicle? >> I don't know. >> You don't know? >> No. >> Okay. >> I'm sure. >> Who took it out of the vehicle? >> Bill. You sure? >> Okay. What made what made Bill take the gun out of the vehicle? I don't know. >> Okay. Had he planned to use the gun if he came across Riley? >> I don't think so. >> So, why would he put the gun in the car from the main street? >> Cuz he didn't want anyone to go back there and steal. >> Okay. >> Cuz the gun was at the main street though. >> How long had it been kept there though? cuz that's where you resided, right? >> Yeah. Well, he had it in the front of the building, not in my apartment. >> Okay. Did he say why he was putting it in the car? >> No. >> Okay. He didn't ever make any comments about like that he wanted to hurt Riley as to why he took the the gun or anything. >> Okay. So, you don't know if the gun was loaded the whole time. You never saw him load it. >> Okay. So, there's a lot of thing I'm going to be honest with you, Tiffany. There's a lot of things that aren't adding up with what you're telling me once you guys were parked here. Be honest with you. We have surveillance videos from houses in that area that have surveillance video. So the there were houses residences in that area with surveillance video. >> So I need you to be honest with me. Did Bill hand you anything at any time? >> I don't know. I don't remember. >> Do you remember holding the firearm? >> No. >> Okay. Are were you or are you under the influence of any drugs or alcohol? >> No. because the video is telling me otherwise. What would you say if I watched that video and I saw Bill tell you specifically to hold the gun on your son and I have video of you holding that gun, pointing it right at him? >> I might have held the gun. I don't know. >> Well, you might have or you did. >> I don't know. I I just can't remember. There was a lot of yelling and screaming. I I think you would only remember if you were holding a firearm and pointing it at your own son though, right? >> There was just a lot of yelling and screaming. >> So, what did Riley do when he ran towards the vehicle? What happened after that? >> I don't know. >> Cuz those two were fighting, >> you know, yelling at one another and then Riley ran towards the vehicle. What happened after that? I don't know. I Me and Riley were yelling at each other. Riley said I was dead to him. That's all I remember. >> So, how come I'm hearing like a from others I've spoken with that you guys that he didn't feel that way about you? So, why why are you telling me that he >> he just said it then that I was dead to him because I was yelling at him about stealing and he was mad I didn't believe him. >> Okay. Cuz I hear you two actually had a decent a good relationship. >> I did until you kept doing the drugs and I'd only go to rehab and you >> So obviously probation is going to test you for drugs. Okay. >> Are they going to find anything in your system? >> Marijuana. >> Were you under the influence of that last night? >> No. >> Today? >> I know. cuz your eyes are telling me something different. They were telling me something different last night. >> I've been crying. >> Okay, I'm going to say some honest difficult things here. I mean, I didn't see you shed a tear last night when I was talking to you. >> I I know me as a parent, I had I lost a child. I I I can sympathize with you. I I can understand what that might be like because I've thought about that type of that thing happening. >> I just keep bringing bad people. my kids life and I just feel really guilty about it and I'm missing a lot of shocking. [snorts] >> Who are these bad people you bring into your kids' lives? >> Bad boyfriends or whatnot. >> Bill being one of them. >> Yeah. >> Had Bill ever threatened Riley's life previously? >> What if I told you I'd been told otherwise? You never heard Bill say anything derogatory? >> He was gonna kill Riley. No. >> Did he confront him any time previously since the items had been noticed as missing? >> Yeah, him and I went and talked to Riley. He didn't say anything like that to Riley. >> When was that? >> Um when the night that we found out this stuff was stored. >> And where did you confront Riley at? at his house. >> Okay. Over on Mill Street. >> Yeah. >> Okay. You never heard Bill threaten him or anything? >> Okay. Uh, just hang tight for me. Just a couple more questions. So once Bill had shot Riley, what were your and Bill's reactions? Like what did you do? >> I just didn't want to touch him cuz I didn't know if that would hurt. >> Okay. >> Do you remember where you went, where you moved to, where you were standing? >> I called 911. >> Okay. Were you in the car, out of the car? >> I don't think it was in the car. >> Okay. You weren't in the car? >> I don't think so. >> Okay. Do you remember anybody else coming out from the houses, interacting with you, interacting with Riley or Bill? >> Terra came out. >> Okay. >> And what? >> Mackenzie's mom. Terra. >> Okay. Did she talk to you? Did anybody else talk to you or Bill besides the officers? Obviously. >> Terra was just screaming. >> Okay. What was she screaming? >> Okay. You don't remember what she was saying? Okay. How do you know it was her screaming? >> It was Terra that came out. >> Did Was there anybody else that came out though? Do you remember? >> At the end, I remember seeing her daughter and her landlord out there, but I don't know when they came out. >> Who's the landlord? >> I don't know. >> Oh, it's a female. >> Yeah. >> Okay. All right. So, did you talk to 911 or did Bill talk to 911? I know. I dialed my number. >> And was that dialed on your phone or his phone? >> Bill's phone. >> On Bill's phone. Okay. Where were you at when the shot happened? Do you remember? >> Do you remember hearing it? >> Yeah. I thought it was a taser. >> Okay. I don't know why. >> So, why would you think a taser went off if Bill was had pulled a firearm from the vehicle? >> I just I don't know. >> I didn't think he would shoot. >> Okay. What What does the taser look like that Bill has? Is it just like a rectangular one or does it look like a gun? >> I think it's like a flashlight. >> Oh, it's like a stun gun. >> Yeah. Does it have like a couple silver probes on it or >> I don't know. >> Looks like a flashlight though. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Um, did Bill say anything after he shot Riley? >> Okay. Can you describe the interaction between Bill and Riley before the shot? Were you watching them? >> You weren't watching them. >> I I don't remember. They were >> they were they close far away from one another? >> Okay. >> All right. You don't remember any other details about the event? Had Bill left the apartment looking for Riley? Um, we were going to go to WA to get the animals. >> Okay. But did he did he ever say, "I need to find Riley." >> Or, "I want to find Riley." Or when either you saw him walking, did he say, "Oh, there's Riley." >> He said, "There's Riley." >> Did he say, "I need to talk to him." Or anything >> or I'm going to confront him. Did he say anything? >> He just said, "There's Riley." And he turned. >> Yeah. Okay. Why? So, if you guys saw him at one end of the street, why did you drive all the way to the other end? Did Bill say anything? >> No. >> You don't know why he drove all the way to the end of the street? Was the car still running or was it turned off? >> I don't know. I think I don't think it was running that much. >> Okay. So when you guys going back to the hour before that when you were at East Road and you left uh your son there with April, had Bill had any firearms in his possession at that time when you left? >> Not with husband. >> Not that you had seen. >> No. >> Okay. So you came into town just to rehash here a little bit. Did Danielle call you or did you call Danielle? >> Danielle called. >> She called you. And then did she call >> on Bill's phone and she had another person on three-way line? >> She called Bill. >> Yeah. >> And she already had an Angela on the phone. >> Mhm. >> Okay. And then that's when all three of you were or all four of you were talking about the animals, >> right? >> Okay. And what was said between I mean, what did Angie say? Angela, >> she said, "Come get the EFs." Did she say how did she say how they got there? >> She thinks Ashton brought them there. >> Okay. What made Did she say why she felt that way? >> Um cuz her other son should >> Okay. >> Okay. >> So again, going back, why would Bill grab a shotgun from his shop if he's just going to pick up animals? He didn't say anything why he was grabbing it. >> I just thought he grabbed it so no one went and stole it. He got it before before he heard about the animals. >> So, he'd already put it in the car before he heard where the animals were located. >> Yeah. >> Well, what were what was his intentions then of doing that if he didn't know where the animals were? >> He always carried a gun. I don't know. >> He always carried a gun, but yet he didn't have one from East Road to town, right? Okay. >> Cuz all the little ones were stolen out of his car. >> So he always had guns in the car. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Did he have any other handguns that you'd seen besides the ones that were taken? >> No. >> Had you ever seen this shotgun before? >> Yeah. >> You had? Where else had you seen it? >> Um since his uh handguns are taken, he's been carrying. So, it was in the car routinely or >> Yeah. >> Okay. I thought you said he was keeping it at the It was kept at the store. >> He left it there the other night, but before that he had it in the car. >> Okay. Where was it? Was it kept out at East Road prior to him using it more frequently or where was it? >> It was out on East Road. >> Okay. And you ever seen him load it at all? >> No. >> Okay. How long had he would you say he'd been carrying that and keeping it in town? >> Like five days. >> Okay. How many times had you seen it in the vehicle? >> A few times. Like two times. >> Okay. But he kept it in the in the animal store here on town in town. Not in your apartment. Or was it in your apartment? >> It was in my apartment. >> Was it in the shop? >> Yeah. Okay. Where was So, going back to when you were at April's, the hour before that, where were you guys like kind of leading up to going out to April's? >> We were going to meet the cops at Riley's house. >> Okay. What was the reason for that? How long? >> To speak to the police about Riley. >> Okay. How long before the incident were you guys at Riley's? >> We never made it to Riley. >> Oh, you never made it over there to talk with police. >> What happened street? >> Oh, okay. So, prior going back though, so you said an hour before the hour before and before coming downtown, you guys were at April's with Rowan and Bill. Yeah. >> Where were you at prior to that? Or had you been there all night? >> Okay. So, you stayed there? >> Yeah. >> Okay. And then you came into town how long before the incident? >> An hour. I don't know. >> Okay. Would you come You came down to meet with officers and you met with the officers and then what happened after that? That's when you got the phone call or did you get the phone call before meeting with the officers? >> Right after. >> Okay. So, were you reporting to the officers about the Snapchat message you mentioned? >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, you hadn't learned about the animals yet? >> Okay. So, you had separated from the officers after giving the statement regarding the Snapchat. >> Mhm. >> And then got the phone call. >> Okay. So, why not why didn't Billy Why didn't you have the officers respond back to inform him of that information? >> The lady said she didn't want the police at our house. >> Which one? >> Angie. >> Angela? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Is that because she didn't want her son to get in trouble or what? >> Maybe I don't want >> She just said she didn't want police involved. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So when you left there, there was no intentions. >> Bill had never said anything about Riley. He never said anything about confronting him, looking for him, talking to him. Did he try to contact him again? >> No. >> Okay. So, what what changed? Did he say anything? the his demeanor change from the point that you guys left the apartment to seeing Riley. >> You don't remember him getting like highly agitated or anything that may have stuck out as to why all of a sudden now he goes from going to pick up his animals to wanting to fight Riley? >> Okay. All right. So, as I mentioned in the video, you're clearly seen holding a firearm. You're saying you don't recall that? >> You don't remember holding a firearm at all? Bill handing it to you? >> What happens when I >> You don't remember pointing a firearm at your own son? You don't remember what Bill said to you? >> No. And you are a convicted felon, correct? Yeah. >> Okay. So, you understand you can't be in possession of a firearm. >> Okay. So, here's a situation. You're going to be placed under arrest today for possession felon in possession of a firearm in a probation hold. Okay. So, again, um my job is to try to figure out, you know, what's what went down. you know, not just starting today, but it sounds like there might be some things that started prior to today. Um, what I'm looking from you right now is, you know, um, be truthful of me, of course. >> And, uh, you know, and we'll we'll get through it. We'll get through the end of it. And, um, you know, we've just want to give you a chance to say to speak, you know, what's going to happen. So, what um first of all, you know, um what what what's going on? What happened? >> Um I mean 100% honestly I have a pounding headache right now. >> Okay. >> Because um I'm kind of a chain smoker. I smoke a lot of cigarettes. >> Okay. >> And I don't know what time I called you guys, but whatever time it was, you got there moments later. And >> since then till now, I haven't had a cigarette. And I think that's part of the reason. >> Sure. >> And then so whatever reason you said 2:20 in the morning, I'm really exhausted. >> I understand. >> And so I'm just mentally really um and you can understand the whole evening's been very stressful, stress away forever. I I don't really feel coherent enough to really try to go through along. Um >> okay, let's let's get through what we can >> and if need be I can talk again tomorrow if you want, but let's get through let's get through a little bit tonight. Try again. Let's try a little bit tonight and just see while we're here. And um the big thing again is you know I know the relationship I guess here with you and Riley. How how does that come about? >> Well, I guess my first question is I'm very concerned about him. I've always tried to help him. Is he okay? >> We'll talk about that in a little bit. Okay. >> Cuz that is my >> Sure. >> Like when you bring up Riley, I'm wondering if he's okay. >> Okay. So, what is your relationship with Riley andor um how do you guys know each other? I kind of know, but I guess I want to hear from you. >> Yeah. Um but the relationship I don't know >> how do you know him? >> I guess I would say uh he's a friend, but he's not, you know, acting like a friend. Um, I know him. Um, I know Tiffany Hero's Paul and Tiffany Rose Paul's son is um Riley and uh I've known him uh when when I was a police officer, I knew of Riley when Ted Rose was shy, you know, whatever wasn't associated with her much at all. >> Okay. But now for the last year year and a half more. Um, you know, I tried to help them out. >> Sure. >> As much as I can, look out for them, get them on the right track. >> Were you living with Riley at the time? I think >> I've never lived with Riley. >> Are who you living with right now or you staying with? >> I don't live with Riley yet. That's >> okay. No, I I didn't know. So, Tiffany, is she a friend of yours? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Um, [snorts] so what led up to stuff? I mean, give me a little history. What happened leading up to tonight? Cuz I I understanding some things went down the last day, two or days or so, maybe a little bit longer. What led up to the interaction between you and Riley tonight? Well, like I said, that's a whole year, year and a half. >> I'm I'm looking more at the immediate stuff right now because I I'm I think we both kind of know, you know, with what you're some stuff that was reported, >> of course. Yeah, we we uh called the um sheriff's department. Well, the police department and sheriff's department has the same number. Dispatched us both. So, we made a complaint to the sheriff's department for the county address and a report to your department for the city address. Um, where I'm just so tired, >> okay, >> cuz I can hardly keep my eyes open. Okay, we'll get we'll get through a little bit here and then we'll we'll see if we can't you know do more later, but I want to get through at least the part of it so I can you know feel comfortable that you you know you and I have talked and I got a good understanding what happened so I can get going with you know my investigation as well. >> Yeah. You know, I know you have a lot on your plate cuz it's a big >> Well, let's not worry about that. Let's worry, you know, about >> um I guess what do you um like do you know the reports? You're a I'm sure familiar with the the um a theft from my car behind Main Street. >> What did he take out of your car? >> Reported it. But I allegedly he did it, you know, like, you know, he hasn't been charged or anything, but uh from what I understand, I made a report that um there was a 9 mm Smith and Wesson um handgun taken out of the car. >> Okay. And there was a gun unsafe combination gun unsafe where the cable was cut and there's a um 38 special in there. And then uh there was like a coins, dollar bills. And then there was also a change jar, some jewelry, and then there was a iPhone, which was actually a lunar phone that And then there was a battery charger that battery pack that goes with that phone. And then it >> Okay, so >> there was random items. in the car. >> Was there stuff taken out of the apartment, too? >> Not that I know of. >> Was there something about some animals or something? >> Out at my house. Okay. East Road property. >> Okay. >> There's a building metal building which has two separate reptile rooms in it. >> And that's where analyst came. >> So, tell me about that. Well, we um well, there's a whole report. There's a whole list. >> Okay. >> Go through the list. I I'll look at that. I just I just got called in tonight, so I don't have the whole list. >> All the details. I >> I know there's some reptiles and stuff taken, but that led to stuff today. Correct. That did someone notify? >> Yeah. Um uh um like I said, I've got such a headache and I'm so tired. >> I understand this. >> It's hard for me to really go through. I mean, we just I actually was I spent the last couple days um and we would call the you know the burglary thefts or whatever and then made the reports and then the statements. I've been you know filling out the paperwork for the those and I'm sorry I can't remember the officer's name. >> That's okay. I can >> I'm very It's hard for me to name. >> That's okay. >> Anyways, I I have a statement all filled out already for him and I was going to turn that in, but he's not working today. >> Okay. >> Till Thursday, I guess. And then uh so yeah, whoever the city officer was going to take that report then the county had uh two officers who were uh assigned also were not working tonight. >> Okay. So, I um called the sheriff's department to say there was a person that had information about the case and I was hoping that an officer would uh respond and get that information since live animals were what was taken from the >> And I know you like your animals. >> Well, yeah. And I don't want them to die. >> Yep. Nope. by >> and so if they don't um get cared for properly, they will get sick and die. >> They're also not a user friendly animal that if someone doesn't know how to properly handle or take care of someone be hurt. >> Yep. >> I don't want I don't want anyone to get hurt by the animals and I didn't want the animals to get hurt by people. So, >> did you meet with an officer tonight? >> I I did. >> Okay. Well, I didn't meet with anyone from the county with one of your city officers >> in front of Main Street. >> Okay. >> I don't know. Uh this is all from those handcuffs like Oh my god. >> Okay. >> Do you know what time the call came in today? Cuz from then until now I was in >> long time. >> I don't know. I know it was called at some point and I don't know how long or before that. So what um >> that's something where I know that I called the sheriff's department and stayed on the phone with them and then I spoke to him and my wife spoke to him and you know so on and so forth and I don't think it was that late in the day because I remember um like I haven't eaten supper yet so it was not that late in the day that I uh you know it's dark up. >> So, who were you with when you >> I was with my wife, April, and then Tiffany Rose. >> Okay. >> Was it called the sheriff's department? >> That was really So, what about tonight? You were >> you were um [snorts] You probably don't have any. >> I don't know if there's any left in the >> I don't think you have any in there. >> I'm very thirsty. >> You want You want a glass of water? >> Yeah. Okay, sit tight for a minute and see if I can get one for you. >> Just sit for a second there. Okay, hold on. >> Yeah. Can you drink a water for him? She was going to bring some for him. [cough] So, um, at one point you were in town, correct? >> Yeah. >> With officer in front of me. >> Yeah. Then then after that, tell me what transpired when you had contact with um with Riley. Kind of play that out for me a little bit. I'm guessing at that point it's where I should ask to speak to an attorney because that's where I'm assuming you're going to come in with some sort of charge finding >> and I I don't believe that I I did have any wrongdoing but obviously there was an incident where here I am in jail. >> Okay. >> And so I I think it would be pertinent to at least speak to an attorney or >> Okay. Maybe. I mean, I'm still willing to um you know, like uh try to talk to you, but right now I'm so tired and I have a headache and I haven't spoken to my wife or I haven't spoken to anybody. >> Sure. >> And u so I don't even know what's going on. And you keep saying I'll tell you how Riley's doing later. and say like, "I I haven't had a chance to talk to my wife or my car was just I mean, I called >> 911 and said, "I need to tell you this happened." And so, I explained what happened right then and there with 911 and I stood there and waited for the police to show up. >> And then when the police showed up, I did exactly everything they asked me to do and cooperated 100%. >> Okay? >> And then here I am now where uh I'm still going to cooperate. I've never tried to run away or hide anything. And uh but I'm exhausted. Like you got to know, >> you know, I had a long day and and it was very stressful. >> I still don't know how anyone's doing or what's happening on outside world. My car was left unlocked in the middle of the road with my wallet sitting on top with my ID out >> and my phone laying in the grass. Those things are all very important. >> Those are all probably taken care of. Um >> but you know what I mean? was all left. And it so you know >> you you made a comment and before you know you're you're talking which you can do but before I I can ask you anything again you you you said that you wanted to talk to an attorney >> and I need to know if that's your >> I don't know if I will even get a chance to talk to an attorney. >> Okay. But I know right now um you start asking and I'm sitting in jail. Obviously I'm being suspected of of some I'm in jail, >> so I'm being suspected of something. And then I read the um um you know paperwork. They said, "Here's your copy of the the search warrant." And I said, "Well, search warrant. I would have gave you permission to take my blood. All I had was ask and okay I sat in that squat car for hours and hours telling them the whole time I had a urine >> and telling them the whole time I was in pain >> because it you know cuffs in my shoulder and then they said well we have the search warrant now and they said here's a cop I mean it said on there firstdegree intentional homicide well that's a pretty serious allegation so that's what I'm going to be I mean anyone would be crazy to not have an attorney with a charge like that coming out Okay. Well, that's a statement. I I'll honor that. That's just a statement you want. You know, I'm not going to ask you more questions because it seems that's your direction you want to go. Um, >> no, I'd still like to cooperate with you, but if that's the warrants for first degree, intentional homicide, not, you know, self-defense like whatot, that's blows my mind. Like, I mean, I'm a former police officer. I followed my training to a te to defend yourself and stop the threat. would never tried, you know, homicide somebody, you know what I mean? Like way. So that's where I I'm so just shocked that that would be what was on that, >> you know what I mean? Okay. So if um again, I I at this point I can't ask any questions anymore because you you know request an attorney. So I'm going to stop at that. Um, you know, I'll walk you back in. We'll talk a little bit more when we get in there about stuff. Why don't you put your mask back on and go in >> and I I mean I'm allowed to still talk to you, right? >> Yes. You You can always talk to me. Okay. >> Yeah. I just like I said, I'm just exhausted, have a headache, tired, not thinking clearly. Traumatic evening. Uh um I haven't been able to talk to my wife or or anybody or know what's even going on. And I'm concerned about I'm concerned about my family and loved ones and their safety right now because >> all these events came from uh our private lives being intruded on, you know, being robbed and burglarized. And now I heard while I was in the squad car waiting outside the hospital, they broke into the Main Street building again. And we're in there tonight. And and uh so I'm worried about my property and my family and my friends. And I'm very concerned even about Riley's wellbeing. I don't want to hurt him, but you know, I didn't know what else to do at the time to defend myself, you know. So anyway, I'm not I mean I I I can't I mean it would be silly to not say, "Hey, I'd at least like the opportunity to talk to attorney because I don't know what's coming at me." >> Sure. >> But when I saw the search warrant for my blood say intentional homicide on it, you know, that's not accurate what happened. >> Okay? >> You know what I mean? And so that's why I don't know what to think. Um and I'm not thinking clearly obviously right now because So I um again I'm Sergeant Rhoden's um >> you know what? Yes I do. Um >> I spoke to a lot of officers to me and honestly I can't remember. >> So I'll give this unit go in there. Um the thing being you know if you decide um you know you can always reach out. Um at this point >> I I'm not going to at this point because you did request you know the capability want to talk to an attorney and that's where I stopped. So >> I mean that kind of >> but you know what I mean? Isn't that like >> I can't afford an attorney. I'm sure like this kind of attorney I can't afford one. There's no way. >> But someone would be assigned to me. So >> yeah, >> okay. >> I'm assuming I I'm sitting in jail and no one told me why. >> We'll talk when we go back in there. Okay. And so then um I'm assuming based on the hospital paperwork, you know, whatever, but I don't know how long I'm here for or if I can call my wife and tell her what happened or if I can. >> Yep. >> So, um you can make phone calls. Okay. And there's um they'll work with talk to you. I don't know the pro procedure that the jail does here to do that, but I'm not going to restrict your phone calls at all. That's not a problem. I had money in my wallet which was sitting on top of my car which I purposely took out of my pocket, put on top of my car with my ID out so when your officer showed up I would have it ready for them. >> Okay. >> But now I don't have it here so I don't >> Okay. >> to pay my booking fee. >> That'll be they can work all that out. So yeah. >> Okay. And I um tried to make it as easy and you know cooperative with the law enforcement as possible because I know you have a job to do. >> Yeah. >> You know, >> and I appreciate that and I'll respect your wishes. Again, I since you asked, I haven't asked any more questions. You've been talking, but I haven't asked any questions directly to you. So, um >> I just don't want you to take my wanting to speak to an attorney as an uncooperative thing. No, it's a right that you have. And so I'm going to walk you back in there. >> William Zalinsky was convicted of first-degree intentional homicide in June 2023 and sentenced in July 2023 to life in prison with eligibility for extended supervision after 35 years. Tiffany Powell pleaded no contest to first-degree recklessly endangering safety and guilty to felon in possession of a firearm. A first-degree intentional homicide charge was dismissed but read into the record. She was sentenced in February 2023 to 15 years in prison followed by 8 years of extended supervision. Both remain incarcerated.