A horrifying story that happened in 2011 is trending in the news once again, as justice still hasn't been served. A man from Florida named William Wallace is currently being held in jail for allegedly having a role in the death of Za'Zell "ZZ" Preston, who was only 26 at the time of her death. Wallace and Preston had three children in their home. Their son, who was just 7 weeks old at the time, was fathered by Wallace.
Sources say that Wallace and Preston had a disagreement on Christmas Eve that turned violent. According to the Orange County Register, this wasn't the first time that Wallace had gotten violent with Preston. He had already reportedly served jail time for a domestic violence incident in the past.
After she died, Wallace allegedly did the unthinkable. He reportedly propped her up wearing sunglasses that next morning, and had her sit there while their children opened Christmas presents.
Wallace's trial began on Monday, March 8. According to the publication, Senior Deputy District Attorney Heather Brown told jurors that Wallace — who's currently 39 years old — "did what he always did, expecting (Preston) to survive like she always did." But unfortunately, this time it was taken too far.
Wallace's explanation of the story was much different. People magazine reports that at one point, Wallace blamed the death on Preston's drinking. He reportedly told the children that "Mommy … got drunk and ruined Christmas" to explain why she was lying on the couch. It's unbelievable to think of how damaging this mental image must have been.
Wallace reportedly believes that he's falsely "being accused of something that is not his fault." According to his account, his now-deceased wife had too much to drink and fell into a glass table, which led to her death. It's unclear as to whether or not alcohol was involved at all in this situation.
At the time of the incident, Preston's other children were 8 and 3. Now they're 18 and 13 — and hopefully in a safer situation, alongside their now 10-year-old brother. Even more upsetting was the fact that at the time of her death, Preston was studying to become a domestic violence counselor.
Preston's obituary was written with love by her family members. In it, you can see she had so many people who loved her dearly. But for outsiders hearing the story, it's a great way to learn more about the kind soul who was taken too soon. Preston wasn't able to see her 30th birthday, or most of her children's milestones.
"Preston, Za'zell Dominique, of Anaheim (26), was known to family and friends as 'ZZ,'" her obituary starts. "She was a proud mother of daughters, Zyianna Nyale, Valice Noreal and son, Macell Emari." Preston had a big family, and it seemed as if family was very important to her.
"ZZ was a talented dancer and a full time student at Cypress College focusing on becoming a domestic violence counselor," the obituary continues. "ZZ leaves a large dear family of aunts, uncles and cousins to cherish her memory." Though she's gone, she's still not forgotten. And surely, Wallace's trial will help Preston's family get the closure that they deserve.
According to the Orange County Register, Preston's funeral was attended by many. The service went on for well over two hours, and everyone was able to celebrate her wonderful life. A writer from the paper attended the event and reported on how Preston was presented. She reportedly looked beautiful and at peace.
"Za'Zell had been laid out in a white dress with a jeweled bodice," the reporter described. "Around her shoulders was draped a pink shawl. Pink was her favorite color, and on either side of the casket were sprays of pink flowers, including an arrangement that formed a large block-letter 'ZZ' – the name by which many called her. Her face was angelic and unblemished, the brutality surrounding her death nowhere in evidence."
At the event, the manner in which she died wasn't openly mentioned directly but alluded to quite often. One of the speakers, whom the Orange County Register identified as Definition Sean Perkins, said, "I think she'll be happier up there with God rather than being married to that guy … and, struggling." Other friends reportedly wished they could have done more to help.
The Orange Country Register reported that soon after the incident took place, Wallace was being held in lieu of $1 million bail. Police believe the death happened due to blunt-force trauma. They also confirmed that Preston's two daughters were from another relationship, but her youngest — a boy — was fathered by Wallace.
All three children were present during the death. Since the incident happened, they're currently in the care of their relatives. It was Wallace who eventually called 911 to report on Preston, and investigators were suspicious about how her death came to be.
This death could have been prevented. And today, Preston could have been helping other victims. But unfortunately, these situation are often hard to pull yourself out of. Leaving a domestic violence situation can be very scary, especially if your partner has created a situation where they hold all of the income in the household. But escaping the situation — even if it leaves you with no material possessions — may end up saving your life.
If you're in a domestic violence situation and feel alone, please know that you aren't. There are people out there willing to help. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233). Its website also has a chat option, in case you're unable to call.
