In the early morning hours of May 24, 2025, a distressing 911 call was made from a residence in Tallassee, Alabama, setting in motion a tragic investigation into the death of 30-year-old Bethany Dawn Lee. Her husband, 34-year-old Zachary Lee, was on the other end of the line, claiming that his wife had shot him and that he had fired back in self-defense before she ran back into their home.
Operators urged him to check on her, but he refused.
When Elmore County deputies arrived at the Tallassee Highway residence, they found Zachary Lee outside with minor injuries to his legs. Inside the house, they discovered a grim scene: Bethany Lee was deceased, lying face down with a gun in her hand. An initial examination revealed she had suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Investigators noted that deputies were familiar with the address, having responded to previous domestic violence calls at the home.
As the investigation progressed, inconsistencies in Zachary Lee's account began to surface. He was treated for his injuries and subsequently taken into custody. He was formally charged with the murder of his wife under a domestic violence statute.
During a preliminary and Aniah's Law hearing, further details emerged that cast doubt on Zachary Lee's self-defense claim. Evidence presented indicated that Bethany's wounds were from two different firearms. The gun found in her left hand matched a wound on her hip, but a larger caliber weapon was responsible for the fatal shot to her neck and head. Investigators also testified that while Zachary Lee initially claimed there were no other weapons in the home, a subsequent search uncovered multiple firearms. One of these weapons was reportedly found in a boat, along with his car keys and work ID.
Following the hearing, a judge found probable cause to hold Zachary Lee without bond. He remains in the Elmore County Jail as his case is set to be presented to an Elmore County Grand Jury.
