When Christmas Was a Lie: The Murder of Za’Zell Preston

On Christmas morning in 2011, in Anaheim, California, children opened their presents just feet away from their mother’s body. Za’Zell Preston was 26 years old, a mother of three, a dancer, and a full-time college student studying to become a domestic violence counselor. Seven weeks postpartum, she was trying to build a future for herself and her children while trapped in a violent and controlling marriage. Her husband, William Wallace, had a documented history of abusing Za’Zell. He had been arrested before. He had spent time in jail. Family members had warned police. The danger was known. On Christmas Eve, after attending a neighbour’s party, Wallace beat Za’Zell to death inside their apartment. Instead of calling for help, he staged her body on the couch, placed sunglasses over her eyes, and waited for morning. He allowed Christmas to happen around her. In this episode of Serial Napper, we examine the murder of Za’Zell Preston, the calculated staging that followed, and the chilling performance of normalcy that unfolded in front of her children. We walk through the investigation, the trial, and the forensic evidence that dismantled Wallace’s version of events, leading to his conviction for second-degree murder. Listener discretion advised. This episode includes discussions of extreme domestic violence and the presence of children in the aftermath. Souces:https://nypost.com/2021/06/07/man-who-killed-wife-propped-up-body-while-kids-opened-presents-sentenced/ https://www.ocregister.com/2012/05/25/column-suspect-says-he-creamed-zazell/ https://people.com/crime/man-convicted-murder-after-killing-wife-having-kids-open-christmas-gifts-in-front-body/ https://lawbirdie.com/criminal-case-study-murder-of-zazell-preston/ https://lasentinel.net/christmas-day-killing-of-wife-in-anaheim-heads-to-jury.html Follow me here: ► YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@SerialNapper/ ► Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/serialnappernik/ ► Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SerialNapper/ ► TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@serialnappernik *Go Ad-Free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SerialNapper * Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices