Forensics | Death Investigations

Criminal Defense | Special Investigations

Our Story

With a team of highly trained, board-certified private investigators, Zelaya & Associates, Private Investigators delivers unparalleled professionalism and expertise in providing top-notch investigative services. Former members of law enforcement and military personnel make up our team, all whom retired in good standing with their respective agencies, and who's credibility in the industry is second to none.

We have extensive experience in providing investigative services to a wide range of clients, including individuals, businesses, and law firms. Our team is committed to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients, while maintaining the highest standards of ethics and confidentiality.

We are proud to be Board Certified as Criminal Defense Investigators through the Criminal Defense Investigation Training Counsel and Board Certified in Forensic Death Investigations through the Association for Forensic Investigations.

Our Investigators undergo 20 hours of continuing education every year in Forensics, Crime Scene Investigation, Homicide Investigations as well as Criminal Defense and Legal Topics in order to stay up to date on changes in the investigation industry.

When its answers you seek, look no further than Zelaya & Associates, Private Investigators

Board Certified Forensic Death Investigator

Our
Services

Zelaya & Associates, Private Investigators, employs our extensive expertise and state-of-the-art technology to trustworthy solutions for complex investigations across both the private and government sectors. Our diverse clientele, which includes wrongfully accused incarcerated individuals, prestigious Law Firms, celebrities/influencers, Local/State Governments and foreign consulates, underscores the capability of our Investigators to effectively address any situation that may arise.

Due to the complexity of each investigation, please schedule a free consultation to determine if we are the right firm for you.

Criminal Defense Investigations is one of our specialties. With decades of experience in Public Safety Operations and Investigations, Zelaya & Associates are experts in criminal investigations, crime scene analysis, evidence collection/preservation, and law enforcement use of force. Our investigators will painstakingly examine every facet of your client's case to ensure due process and assist you in developing a strong defense. We know how and why law enforcement and prosecutors do what they do because we have investigated hundreds of cases since 2011. Let us show you how Zelaya & Associates, Private Investigators can make a difference in your case. Our firm is a registered Due Process Vendor with both the Justice Administration Commission as well as the Criminal Justice Act (Federal). In addition to investigation services, we also provide Use of Force Expert Testimony, Crime Scene/Forensic Reconstruction and Gang Evidence Consultation. Our firm is also proud to work with The Innocence Clinic at The University of Miami providing Post Conviction Investigation services.

Criminal Defense Investigations

1

Crime Scene Reconstruction

Our team has decades of experience with reviewing the physical aspects of a crime in concert with the sequence of events. By reconstructing a crime scene, we may assist to determine what could and could not have happened in the commission of a crime. Crime scene reconstruction considers any and all evidence recovered, the physical layout of the space and ties in other forensic disciplines such as toxicology, bloodstain pattern analysis, firearms testing, gunshot residue testing and DNA. When two items or substances come together, they behave and interact in ways that tell a story (Locard’s Principle) that experienced forensic criminalistics experts can read. Our scientists are here to analyze your evidence, visit the crime scene if needed, write reports, provide comprehensive case review, consultation, and expert testimony.

2

Equivocal Death Investigations are those inquiries that are open to interpretation pending further investigation of the facts, victimology and circumstances of the event. The death might appear suspicious or questionable based upon what is presented. For example, a death appears to be suicide but may actually be murder staged to appear to as suicide. An Equivocal Death Investigation should include an extensive and thoroughly documented analysis of the body recovery scene, the autopsy, the forensic evidence, laboratory tests, and the victimology and behavioral history of the deceased. This detailed and complex investigative process can aid in determining the manner of death which is different than the cause of death. “Cause of death” is a term used to indicate the medical cause of death. It lists the diseases or injuries that caused death. “Manner of death” is the way to categorize death. For example, a person’s cause of death might be asphyxiation but the manner of death might be accidental or suicide. If you have a suspicious death, a wrongful death or just need answers or closure, contact us today.

Equivocal Death Investigations

3

Special Investigations

Whether you are a small business, large business, federal, state or foreign government doing business in the United States, our team has the experience to provide an investigative solution to fit your needs. With our extensive experience working complex investigations into embezzlement, money laundering, reputation management, crisis management, corporate espionage, counterintelligence/OSINT and other complex cases, no stone will be left unturned with our investigators on your team. Reach out today to see how we can assist you.

4

Whether you have a Criminal Witness Subpoena, Subpoena for a Deposition or other non enforceable court document that needs to be served, or, require notary services, Zelaya & Associates, Private Investigators is here for you. We are licensed and bonded for Notary Services in the State of Florida, and are authorized to serve process for Criminal and Civil cases within Central Florida. Reach out to us today for more information.

Process Service & Notary Services

5

Forensic Testing Services

Through our affiliation with an accredited lab, we are able to provide DNA testing services for legal, non legal & forensic cases. We offer both mobile and in office collection.

6

Traffic Homicide Reconstruction

Serious Bodily Injury Reconstruction

Meet The Team

Chief Investigator

Eric Zelaya

Board Certified Criminal Defense Investigator
Board Certified Forensic Death Investigator

Eric Zelaya is the Owner and Chief Investigator of Zelaya & Associates, Private Investigators. Eric is a Board Certified Criminal Defense Investigator and a Board Certified Forensic Death Investigator specializing in Medicolegal Death Investigations & Criminal Defense Investigations with a focus on Wrongful Convictions and has been a licensed Private Investigator since 2011. Eric is also one of the few trial phase death penalty experienced investigators in Central Florida.

Eric has had the opportunity to work with some of the most experienced attorneys in Florida, as well as on some of the most complex cases, and has built a reputation as a competent and experienced investigator. Since 2011, Eric has worked over 10,000 documented hours of both forensic death and serious bodily injury investigations on behalf of families, law firms and the legal system.

Prior to becoming a Private Investigator, Eric worked for the Florida Department of Corrections as a State Corrections Officer, where he was assigned to the C-Shift Gang Investigations Unit. During his time at FDOC, he conducted and assisted in investigations involving gangs, assaults, homicides and contraband trafficking. Eric is a recognized gang consultant and has been a consultant for WKMG News Channel 6 in Orlando, Behind The Law with Justin Clark, and various attorneys in Central Florida. Eric holds Undergraduate Certificates in Criminal Psychology and Criminology from an overseas accredited program as well as Technical Certificates in Medico-legal Death Investigations through the Texas A&M University, and Gang & Narcotics Investigation Certificates through the Multi Jurisdictional Counter Drug Task Force.

Eric is also an Investigator for the Cold Case Foundation, which provides investigation support and analysis to law enforcement agencies in cold case homicides, missing persons and rape/sexual assaults with serial characteristics.

Case Studies

Through our case studies, we hope to portray various examples of past successes in all kinds of cases, large and small.

Cases are also a great way for prospective clients to learn more about the way our Private Investigation Firm operates. Zelaya & Associates, Private Investigators go the extra mile to make sure our clients are completely satisfied with what we provide.

State of Florida v. Simmons

After being charged with First Degree Murder, this client decided to work with Zelaya & Associates to get to the bottom of the murder charge. After a brief consultation meeting, it was clear that an experienced investigative plan would accurately provide the client with all the answers they were looking for.

We were right - after a thorough investigation our client was found Not Guilty of all charges and justice was served.

State of Florida v. Williams

Our firm was retained after a client was arrested on 1st Degree Murder charges ,after allegedly killing her boyfriend. Our investigators immediately got to work interviewing witnesses, many of whom could not keep their stories straight, as well as collecting certified felony convictions for impeachment purposes.

During the investigation we uncovered that the firearm used in the murder had a serious defect which allowed it to fire without the trigger being pulled, which matched up to the clients statement and testimony of an accidental shooting. A jury saw the evidence and our client was found not guilty.

State of Florida v. Joseph

Our client was charged with 3 counts of 1st Degree Murder and was facing the Death Penalty for a crime he did not commit. Zelaya & Associates was retained by the defendants court appointed counsel and immediately got to work on the investigation. From trips to tough areas in Miami, to the West Coast of Florida, we interviewed numerous witnesses, examined hours of video and evidence and drafted pages of investigative reports.

After an exhausting 2 years investigation, not only did the Prosecutor drop the Death Penalty, our client was cleared of all charges and is now a free man, while the actual suspects are now behind bars.