California Man Sentenced To 15 Years For Murdering Wife And Propping Body Up As Kids Opened Christmas Presents

William Wallace, 39, of Anaheim, was convicted of second-degree murder this year for the 2011 killing of Za’Zell Preston. After a Christmas Eve party, he dragged her body from the bedroom to the living room couch the next day.

He put sunglasses on the 26 year-old and told the children to open their presents. He said, “Mommy ruined Christmas, she got drunk and ruined Christmas.”

Wallace was sentenced Friday to 15 years to life in prison.

The murder, on Christmas, came right before Preston was about to graduate from college. She was preparing to become a counselor because of her desire to help other victims of abuse.

Meanwhile, Wallace’s attorney has a dispute. He states Preston passed away from injuries after she was drunk, tripped and fell into a glass table, and shattered it.

Wallace was given credit for the nine years he has already spent behind bars while awaiting trial, reports say.