May 8, 2008 4:43 pm US/Pacific
CHP Officer's Convicted Killer Talks To CBS13 pt2
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) ―
It was an emotional and tearful interview. During our 30 minute conversation at the jail, where I was not allowed to bring any kind of recording device, Greg Zielesch told me he is innocent and never supplied the gun that killed CHP officer Andy Stevens.
After out in-person interview, he called me by phone, and now you're going to hear that convicted killer in his own words.
"I didn't do anything. I mean I don't know what to say," says Zielesch.
Greg Zielesch says he had nothing to do with the murder of CHP officer Andy Stevens. But a jury found him guilty of giving triggerman Brendt Volarich the gun that claimed Stevens' life.
"What happened on Nov 17th 2005 was a senseless and tragic act. Officer Andy Stevens gave his life in the line of duty and in doing so he saved mine. He is a hero," Zielesch said.
Zielesch tells me that he barely knew Volarich, in fact they only met two weeks before Andy Stevens murder, and the only time they've spoken since that day was right at the courthouse on arraignment day. That's when Zielesch claims they were in the hallway together when Volarich blurted out, "I was on my way to kill you." Zielesch says that's what he realized officer Stevens saved his life.
When I asked Zielesch why he felt so strongly that Stevens saved his life he replied with," because obviously he had the gun out. He was going to do something with it. He had it between his legs, just a mile from my house."
The prosecution says Zielesch hired Volarvich to kill his estranged wife's boyfriend.
Zielesch believes it was his ex-girlfriend who gave the gun to Volarvich after she stole from Zielesch's house. At the time, she was Volarvich's current love interest. Today, Zielesch claims innocence, but never testified at his own trial. Something he says was recommended by his attorney.
Zielesch admits he regrets not testifying.
"I now wish I had. To get the story straight. Nobody, nobody explained the story," Zielesch says.
"I want people to know that I had nothing to do with that officer's death," he explains.
Zielesch will be sentenced later this month. He says he will appeal the case and feels the truth will come out.
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