On November 26, 2021, Corey Zelonis died in a car crash just six months before he graduated high school. The local press and police agency actively minimized Corey’s death stating “he lost control of the vehicle, crossed the double yellow line, and struck a tree” without being transparent as to the true cause and circumstances behind the accident. 

Corey’s mother, Melissa Zelonis, stayed on top of the investigation updates, constantly inquiring for more information. Her point of contact was Sergeant Phelps of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). Sgt Phelps was the lead investigator for Corey’s case but consistently ignored Melissa’s concerns and questions about the impending investigation. When Melissa was finally able to view the totaled vehicle, she noticed a liquor bottle was placed in Corey’s car presumably to make it appear as though Corey was driving under the influence. She also found it strange that the liquor bottle was sitting perfectly upright while the rest of items in the car were in a total disarray. 

Following toxicology reports, it was determined that Corey was not under the influence of any substance. In fact, his system was completely clean from any drugs or alcohol. Melissa followed up with Sgt Phelps about this new information but Sgt Phelps provided no further feedback and never brought up the potential of substance use again. 

As time passed, Melissa grew more and more uneasy about the manner that Corey’s accident and death were being handled by Sgt Phelps and CCSO. With legal support, Melissa was able to have a second investigation conducted which , included an accident reconstruction. The secondary investigation proved that Sgt Phelps had not properly investigated Corey’s accident and Corey was not at fault for the accident.

The second investigation revealed there was a second car present at the time of the accident. Witnesses of the accident say CCSO officers spoke to the passengers of the second car but released them from the scene soon after. The passengers of the second car were an older man and his daughter with out of state tags. With reports from the witnesses and the findings of the secondary investigation, it was made clear that Corey was entering the cross section where the secondary car was making erratic and unpredictable movements. It is now obvious that Corey swerved only to avoid the erratic movements of the secondary car and that his speed was found not to be a factor in the accident. 

As expected, the local news outlets and police report by CCSO do not mention that Corey was driving with the right of way and only swerved to avoid another car driving erratically. Sgt. Phelps, local news outlets, and CCSO worked to minimize not only Corey’s death but also his existence.

Corey is remembered fondly as a loving and compassionate boy. Melissa adored Corey’s natural instinct to stand up for and help those in need. Corey was a high school senior whose kindhearted nature and concern for others was ultimately the cause of his untimely and heartbreaking demise.

Sign this petition to hold Sgt. Phelps accountable for improperly investigating Corey Zelonis’ accident and death. We must hold CCSO accountable for allowing and accepting this unlawful investigation.