Steven Zelich to appear in Kenosha County court, facing new charges

KENOSHA (WITI) -- Former West Allis police officer Steven Zelich, the man accused of hiding the bodies of two women in suitcases, is scheduled to appear in Kenosha County court Tuesday, August 5th. He is expected to face new charges.

Zelich was being held in Walworth County on a million dollars cash bond. FOX6 has learned Zelich is now in Kenosha County. That's where one of the women allegedly died during an encounter with Zelich in a hotel.

Walworth County District Attorney Dan Necci is building a case against Zelich. The 52-year-old is already charged in connection with two bodies found in the Town of Geneva.

"Two counts of hiding a corpse, the two corpses that were found in the suitcases along North Como Road," said Necci.

The women have been identified as Laura Simonson of Farmington, Minnesota and Jenny Gamez of Oregon state. A former attorney for Zelich said he accidentally killed the women during sexual encounters.

Zelich pleaded not  guilty to hiding the bodies, but has yet to be charged with causing either of the women's deaths.

"When we've got pending charges in another county that are actually quite a bit more serious penalty wise than ours here in Walworth County, I suppose that's possible to cause a delay in our charges," said Necci.

Zelich's new attorney is expecting one or more charges in Kenosha County however he has not been told what those charges will be.

Kenosha police tell FOX6 search warrants were executed and their investigative report turned over to the District Attorney, with charges being left up to the D.A.

"Our law enforcement agencies often refer us charges but in the end, it's our decision as to what charges are actually brought. Many times they're right on the money, sometimes we have to make changes based on what we can prove what we can't prove," said Necci.

Necci has been in contact with the Kenosha County D.A. to discuss strategy and says it's possible that the charges against Zelich may be consolidated.

"We're going to support the other communities that are involved in this case to the best of our abilities and our decisions will be based purely on prosecutorial strategies," Necci said.

The Kenosha County D.A.'s Office says a complaint explaining the new charges against Zelich will be available Tuesday.