Watch CBS News

Disturbing New Details Emerge In Christmas Day Murder

ANAHEIM (CBS) — Authorities have released troubling details in the murder of a mother on Christmas morning.

Za'Zall Preston was allegedly killed by her husband at their Anaheim home, according to police.

Investigators now say William Wallace propped up Preston's dead body on the couch while her daughters, three and eight years old, opened presents.

An Anaheim councilwoman has revealed more about Preston to the Orange County Register. She told the newspaper that the mother was allegedly beaten regularly during her 3-year relationship with Wallace.

Preson was volunteering at a shelter for abused women and was studying domestic violence at Cypress College to become a counselor.

The councilwoman hopes Preston's story will encourage other abused women to get help.

(©2011 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.