WILMINGTON, NC – A U.S. Marine is facing serious felony charges after investigators say he broke into a Wilmington home and carried out a violent assault that left a 22-year-old woman paralyzed from the neck down. The June 14 incident has drawn attention from both local authorities and military officials as the victim’s family describes the aftermath as devastating and ongoing.

Isaac Ruiz, 26, a member of the 2nd Marine Division stationed at Camp Lejeune, is charged with assault by strangulation, assault inflicting serious bodily injury, and first-degree burglary. Authorities allege Ruiz forced entry into the home where Savannah Johnson, a Michigan resident visiting the area, was staying before attacking her and fleeing the scene.

Family describes events leading up to attack

According to Savannah Johnson’s family, the two met during a double date shortly before the incident. After Johnson declined further romantic interest, her family believes Ruiz became fixated. “Obviously, he was stewing over that,” Savannah’s father, Ricky Johnson, told Port City Daily. “It’s quite shocking that it would go to this length just because she wasn’t interested in him.”

The violence of the encounter was first relayed through a frantic call. “My niece called me and was screaming, ‘Savannah, Savannah, unconscious,'” said Amanda Johnson, the victim’s mother, in an interview with WECT.

Court documents detail the severity of the injuries. “The defendant unlawfully, willfully, and feloniously did assault Savannah Johnson and inflict physical injury, C5-C6 fracture with ligament injury, T2-T6 compression fracture, vertebral artery dissection, and narrowing of the internal corroded artery by strangulation and assaulting the victim,” an arrest warrant states.

Military response and investigation

The 2nd Marine Division confirmed Ruiz’s assignment as a mortarman with the 1st Battalion and said he has been arrested in connection with the case. Officials also stated the division is cooperating fully with investigators.

In the weeks following the attack, the Johnson family launched an online fundraiser to help cover medical and rehabilitation costs. According to Port City Daily, Ruiz was listed as the top contributor, donating $2,000. A message attached to the donation read, “Each day that passes you don’t realize how much stronger you are becoming. It will be over before you know it.”

Police have not commented on the donation or message when asked about its relevance to the case.

Savannah Johnson remains in recovery and is undergoing physical therapy as she works toward regaining mobility. “She’s giving it her all,” Amanda Johnson told WECT.

Wilmington assault, Isaac Ruiz Marine charges, Savannah Johnson injury, Camp Lejeune Marine arrest, North Carolina home invasion

Phil Stilton Latest posts

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.