South Carolina – The 34-year-old Enver Marius Zueros from California was arrested on charges that include first-degree burglary, kidnapping, and attempted murder after he allegedly assaulted an 89-year-old woman in South Carolina.
The arrest took place on Monday, following the discovery of the victim in a dire condition the day before.
The Summerville Police Chief, Doug Wright, provided details during a press conference, expressing his dismay over the events.
“This man will not see the light of day. He will spend the rest of his natural life in prison,” Wright said, reflecting the gravity of the crimes involved.
Distant online relationship and financial support
According to authorities, Zueros had formed a distant online relationship with the elderly woman through her brother. Initially, the woman supported Zueros financially via text and email communications.
However, tensions arose when she redirected her financial support towards charities, a move that reportedly upset Zueros.
The situation escalated when Zueros, ostensibly angered by the shift in financial support, traveled from California and rented an Airbnb near the victim’s residence to carry out his planned assault.
“This wasn’t random,” Wright said. “He knew exactly who he was targeting and had a plan in place. It’s a terrifying example of how dangerous some of these situations can become.”
A neighbor grew suspicious
On the day of the incident, Zueros broke into the woman’s home. His presence was almost undetected until a retired law enforcement officer living nearby grew suspicious. The neighbor approached the house and interacted with Zueros, who lied about the victim’s whereabouts, claiming she was hospitalized after a fall in the shower.
Still skeptical, the neighbor returned home to retrieve a firearm for protection and upon his return, found that Zueros had fled in the woman’s vehicle. The police were notified and launched a search that culminated in the discovery of the victim in a shocking state: bound with duct tape, a dog leash securing her ankles, and a bag over her head, hidden beneath the rear folding seats of her own car.
Arrested and held in jail with no bond
Fortunately, the victim survived the ordeal with minor injuries and was reported to be doing well under the circumstances. Following his arrest, Zueros was denied bond and is currently being held in a local jail, facing serious charges that may ensure he remains in custody for life.
The incident also sparked a political outcry when U.S. Representative Nancy Mace, R-S.C., took to social media to condemn the policies of California Governor Gavin Newsom, suggesting they contributed to the criminal actions that spilled into her state.
“@GavinNewsom, keep your criminal scum out of South Carolina,” she wrote on X. “This traveling tr*nny and attempted murderer from your state brutalized a constituent of mine. Come get it.”
.@GavinNewsom, keep your criminal scum out of South Carolina. This traveling tr*nny and attempted murderer from your state brutalized a constituent of mine.
Come get it. https://t.co/AwaRNqQ41E
— Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) March 14, 2025
This distressing case highlights not only the potential dangers of online relationships and financial support but also the broader implications of criminal justice policies across state lines.
More details are expected soon.
