Alleged killer's parents: We tried to get son help
WATERTOWN, Wis. (AP) Todd and Tammy Zoellick say they tried for years to get help for their troubled son, the Watertown man accused of killing a man to steal his sports car.
They say they knew 20-year-old Travis Zoellick had anger issues, and they bent over backwards trying to help him.
Instead they could only watch last week as hospital personnel removed their son from life support, hours after he shot himself at home with police closing in.
Authorities believe Travis Zoellick and his girlfriend kidnapped 31-year-old Haroon Khan of Milwaukee last week. Zoellick allegedly stabbed Khan to death and buried him on his parents' property.
Todd Zoellick says he and his wife are devastated, and that they feel for Khan's family.
Oct 11, 2008 at 1:55 p.m.
Suggest removal
I know the Zoellick family. In the article it says that the parents new he had anger problems and were trying to get him help. I hardly believe they actually were trying to get him help. His mother used to tell people what a responsible kid he was. She even had him babysitting for special needs children. She never told the parents of the children about his violent tendencies. Everytime I read an article about how they tried to help Travis and that he was a good kid it makes me sick. I feel betrayed and disgusted by Tammy. I think her and her husband should just keep their mouths shut about their "good" kid. They are only making things worse by trying to sound like victims. The only victims here are Haroon Kahn and his family
Oct 10, 2008 at 11:50 a.m.
Suggest removal
This is unusual for the Gazette to have a follow up article on a high profile area homocide.
There have been a couple in southern Rock Co. recently and there is no follow up....
Code of silence...
Oct 10, 2008 at 5:08 a.m.
Suggest removal
Many times, when these incidents occur, the family, parents etc, don't come out to talk at all. I admire the fact that they have done so. Any mistakes they have made, they are probably feeling it right now. Both families are suffering. Sad story.
Oct 9, 2008 at 5:03 p.m.
Suggest removal
Did you see the girlfriend's comment? She didn't want to be an accomplice but she was worried he would brake up with her! What are girls thinking these days? Sounds like the one from around here that was involved in a murder. Not much going on upstairs.
Oct 9, 2008 at 4:33 p.m.
Suggest removal
It's amazing how far backwards parents bend for their children. From the sounds of it, they bent so far backwards that I don't blame them for feeling horrible, but they shouldn't-- they seemed to have done so much for the 'kid.' Unfortunately, the 'kid' wasn't ready and/or willing to accept his shortcomings and help.
Oct 9, 2008 at 2:46 p.m.
Suggest removal
The girlfriend/accomplice is held on $250,000 bail.
http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/3046...
http://www.madison.com/wsj/topstories/30...
Oct 9, 2008 at 2:45 p.m.
Suggest removal
I hope people don't blame his parents. This guy was an adult and he is responsible for his own actions. His parents did everything they could for him. Even though I'm sure they are thinking now "what if." I feel for both families involved. I hope they find peace somewhere in all this tragedy.
Oct 9, 2008 at 2:07 p.m.
Suggest removal
So where is the girlfriend they say was there kidnapping that poor man?
Before you post a comment, consider this:
Note: GazetteXtra.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy AgreementPost Comment
Commenting requires registration.