Zelich accepts guilt in dual murder cases through plea agreements
Zelich accepts guilty pleas in both victim deaths, case moves to sentencing phase.
Event / Security
Steven Zelich Murder Conviction
Former Milwaukee-area police officer Steven Zelich convicted and sentenced to over 70 years for the murders of Laura Simonson and Jenny Gamez. Bodies discovered in abandoned suitcases on Wisconsin roadside in June 2014, connected to missing woman case in Minnesota.
4 reported locations
Daily activity
3 articles0 articles
2026-10-17 to 2026-10-26 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 17 Oct, 02:37 UTC
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What happened
Zelich disposed of suitcases after coworker notices odor from vehicle
As weather warmed, a coworker mentioned detecting a strong odor coming from near Zelich's vehicle. Panicking, Zelich decided to dispose of the suitcases containing the bodies on a rural Wisconsin roadside.
FBI and Wisconsin State Police interview Zelich in March 2014
In March 2014, the FBI and Wisconsin State Police interviewed Steven Zelich regarding Laura Simonson's disappearance. Zelich voluntarily provided a DNA sample but denied ever meeting Simonson. Without evidence of a crime or foul play, authorities were unable to pursue charges and the investigation stalled.
Second victim identified as Jenny Gamez from Oregon
Steven Zelich confessed to killing both women found in the suitcases. The second victim was identified as Jenny Gamez, a 19-year-old from Cottage Grove, Oregon. Zelich stated he met Gamez on the same online dating website where he later met Laura Simonson.
Zelich pleads guilty to first-degree reckless homicide in Gamez death
In 2016, Steven Zelich pleaded guilty to first-degree reckless homicide in the death of Jenny Gamez and one count of hiding a corpse. He was sentenced to 35 years in prison and 10 years of extended supervision.
Suspect Steven Zelich identified as former Milwaukee-area police officer
Steven Zelich, identified as the online user 'Mrhandcuffs', was discovered to be a former police officer from the Milwaukee area. Zelich had resigned from the West Allis Police Department in 2001 following multiple allegations that he had abused his authority to intimidate and harass women, which he denied.
DNA evidence links Zelich to victim found in second suitcase
DNA recovered from rope wrapped around the second victim found in the Wisconsin suitcases matched Steven Zelich, establishing a direct connection to the crime scene.
Missing woman connected to online BDSM community user 'Mrhandcuffs'
Investigators discovered that Laura Simonson was involved in an online BDSM dating community and had been communicating with someone using the username 'Mrhandcuffs'. A friend of Simonson helped police identify the user's real identity as Steven Zelich.
Laura Simonson disappears from Minnesota in November 2013
Laura Simonson, a 37-year-old mother of seven struggling with mental health issues following her daughter's death, abandoned her van in her mother's driveway in November 2013. The vehicle contained her cell phone, purse, medication, and a note with instructions. Her disappearance was reported as suspicious due to her strong family bonds and her six remaining children.
Suitcase victim identified as Laura Simonson through distinctive tattoo
One of the victims found in the Wisconsin suitcases was identified as Laura Simonson through a distinctive tattoo on her ankle featuring a heart and her deceased daughter Alyssa's name.
Zelich confesses to killing Gamez during 'breath play' activity
Steven Zelich confessed to strangling Jenny Gamez during 'breath play', a sexual activity involving the restriction of breathing, claiming the death was accidental. He stated he stored Gamez's body in his refrigerator for over a year before killing Laura Simonson in Rochester, Minnesota in a similar manner.
Hotel employee identifies missing Laura Simonson from weeks prior
A front desk agent at a hotel approximately an hour's drive from Farmington reported recognizing Laura Simonson, who had checked in several weeks before her disappearance. A registration card with Simonson's signature confirmed the stay. Checkout video showed Simonson's male companion leaving alone without her.
Two women's remains discovered in suitcases on Wisconsin roadside
Two decomposed female bodies were found in abandoned suitcases on a rural Wisconsin road in June 2014. The first victim was found naked, bound with rope in a fetal position. The second victim showed signs of mummification with a hand protruding from a black plastic bag, also bound with rope. Extreme decomposition prevented initial DNA extraction and identification at the scene.
Zelich pleads guilty to second-degree murder in Simonson death
In 2017, Steven Zelich pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of Laura Simonson and received an additional sentence of 25 years in prison. He also received an additional 10 years on two counts of hiding a corpse in Walworth County, Wisconsin.
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2 alternative perspectives
DNA evidence and confession establish suspect's link to victim
DNA evidence and confession linked former officer Steven Zelich to victim Jenny Gamez's death.
Remains Discovered in Suitcases Lead to Victim Identification
Two remains found in suitcases identified as missing women Laura Simonson and Jenny Gamez.