Victor “Frito” Frieson III, 30, has been convicted of murder and torture in the killing of ceramic artist and poet Zoe Reidy Watts. An Alameda County jury delivered the verdict Monday following a two-week trial.
Prosecutors stated the fatal attack occurred on March 1, 2024, after the couple returned to Frieson’s Oakland apartment following a date in San Francisco. Investigators used videos posted by the couple to an Instagram account to establish a timeline, noting Reidy Watts appeared unharmed when they left the restaurant. The pair took Bay Area Rapid Transit back to Frieson’s apartment, arriving around 10:45 p.m.
Surveillance footage showed Reidy Watts struggling to maintain her balance as she left the apartment. Prosecutors said Frieson attacked her later that night or early the following morning, leaving her with extensive bruising, multiple cuts, and a gash to her neck. Video captured Reidy Watts staggering outside naked and injured before collapsing near the doorway, after which Frieson dragged her back inside.
At the trial, Frieson's defense team acknowledged he committed domestic violence but argued he was not guilty of murder or torture. Prosecutors presented evidence that Frieson had assaulted previous romantic partners and that Reidy Watts had sought protection from him months prior to her death. According to court filings, friends and family had observed injuries on Reidy Watts after she began dating Frieson. Six weeks before the killing, she filed a domestic violence report with Oakland police, who documented "two black eyes, and her legs were covered in deep bruises."
Following the attack, Frieson reportedly went to a neighbor’s apartment, requested assistance, and led the neighbor to Reidy Watts’ body, implying he did not know how she died. Prosecutors also contended that Frieson cleaned the apartment before seeking help, presenting this as an indicator of guilt.
Frieson is scheduled for sentencing in mid-September. Reidy Watts, a student at San Francisco State University, was also a visual and performing artist, working as a ceramicist, clothing designer, and arts instructor.