SUMMERVILLE, S.C. — An 89-year-old woman was found in critical condition, “left for dead” in the floorboards of her own car, after a harrowing kidnapping and assault in her Summerville home over the weekend.
The suspect, identified as Enver Marius Zueros, of California, an acquaintance of the victim, was arrested following a swift response from local police, who were alerted by a vigilant neighbor.
According to arrest warrant affidavits, the incident unfolded just before 6 p.m. on March 9 at the woman’s residence in the Pine Forest Country Club community.
Police allege that Zueros broke into the elderly woman’s home after she had recently ceased providing him with financial assistance. In a violent attempt to extort money, Zueros reportedly bound the woman’s wrists and ankles, taped her to a chair, doused her with bear repellent, and struck her above her left eye. He then allegedly placed a trash bag over her head and taped it shut before abandoning her in her vehicle.
Congresswoman Nancy Mace blamed California Governor Gavin Newsom for the attack.
“Gavin Newsom, keep your criminal scum out of South Carolina. This traveling tr*nny and attempted murderer from your state brutalized a constituent of mine,” Mace said.
A neighbor, noticing an unfamiliar man “sneaking around inside” the home, promptly called the Summerville Police Department. Officers arrived to discover the woman in dire straits, still alive but severely traumatized. She was immediately taken to a local hospital, though her current condition remains undisclosed.
Zueros, who had been at the home for approximately 30 minutes before the neighbor’s call, now faces charges of kidnapping, assault, and attempted extortion. Authorities believe the motive stemmed from the victim’s decision to cut off financial support, though further details about their relationship have not been released.
