Mom of 3 Tortured, Left Brain Dead — Murder Charge Next?

Mom of 3 Tortured

SAGINAW, MICHIGAN — Kelley Lalonde, a 35-year-old mother of three, has died eight months after suffering horrific injuries that left her brain dead—allegedly at the hands of her then-boyfriend, Jonathan Zieroff, 30.

Lalonde passed away on May 26, a tragic end to a case that began on September 12, 2024, when Carrollton Township Police discovered her in Zieroff’s home. According to a criminal complaint obtained by PEOPLE, she was found unresponsive, bruised, and lying in her own urine, with serious internal injuries, including bleeding in the brain.

Authorities allege Zieroff held Lalonde captive and tortured her for days. He was arrested soon after and initially charged with assault with intent to cause great bodily harm and second-degree domestic violence. He has remained in custody at the Saginaw County Jail on a $50,000 bond, which he did not post.

Charges Dropped, Then Refiled

In a controversial move, the original case against Zieroff was dismissed just days before Lalonde’s death. The Saginaw County Circuit Court entered a nolle prosequi on his behalf, halting the prosecution with the explanation that it was “in the best interest of justice.” However, on May 13, prosecutors filed new charges of torture in Saginaw County District Court.

With Lalonde now deceased, Zieroff could soon face an upgraded charge of murder, pending the results of her autopsy.

A Mother Mourned

Lalonde leaves behind three children, ages 14, 11, and 3. Her sister, April Reed, confirmed her death in a GoFundMe post seeking donations to cover funeral costs, writing:

“Kelley received her angel wings and is now watching over all of us at this difficult time.”

In her obituary, Lalonde was described as “a loving mother” whose children were “her pride and joy.” It added:

“Her legacy will continue to shine through the lives she touched and the love she gave so freely.”

Justice in the Balance

As the community grieves, attention now turns to prosecutors and law enforcement, who may soon bring new, more serious charges against Zieroff. The case has raised questions about the legal process and the handling of serious domestic violence allegations — especially in light of the dismissed charges just days before Lalonde’s passing.

Lalonde’s death marks not only a personal tragedy but also a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of unchecked domestic violence.

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