ST. GEORGE, S.C. — A horrifying case of premeditated violence has ended with a 50-year prison sentence. Enver Zueros, a California man, pleaded guilty this week in Dorchester County court to kidnapping and first-degree burglary after attacking and abducting 89-year-old Delores Johnson in her Summerville home.
Attack Sparked by Cut-Off Financial Support
According to prosecutors, Zueros drove from California to South Carolina after Johnson stopped sending him money. He rented an Airbnb near her home, waited for her caregiver to leave, and then launched a violent attack that shocked the community.
In court, prosecutors detailed how Zueros sprayed bear repellent in Johnson’s face, hit her, and tied her with duct tape and a dog leash. He then forced her into her own vehicle and attempted to flee with her.
Victim’s Powerful Testimony in Court
Delores Johnson, the victim, bravely shared her experience in court, describing how Zueros tried to suffocate her.
“He was pushing me to the inside of my car, putting a plastic bag over my head so I could not breathe freely. I felt like I was suffocated,” she said.
Her family members also spoke about the trauma and injuries she has had to recover from, including weeks of wound care and physical therapy. They described the long-term emotional toll the attack has taken.
Police: “He Deserves Prison for the Rest of His Life”
Summerville Police Chief Doug Wright did not hold back in his remarks to the court.
“This man is a very weak man. This man is a person who deserves to go to prison for the rest of his life,” he said.
Zueros Speaks Before Sentencing
Zueros addressed the court and expressed regret, blaming his mental state for the crime.
“This incident happened not because of who I am, but because of what I’ve been through… I’m sorry that my shortcomings brought someone else down along with me.”
Judge Hands Down 50-Year Sentence
Circuit Judge Jerrod Anderson sentenced Zueros to 30 years for kidnapping and 20 years for first-degree burglary, ordering the sentences to run consecutively—adding up to 50 years behind bars. As part of the plea deal, a separate attempted murder charge was dropped.
At the time of this attack, Zueros was already out on bond in California for another attempted murder charge, raising even more concern about how he was allowed to travel freely.
Police say if Johnson hadn’t been found the night of the kidnapping, she likely would not have survived.
What This Case Means for the Community
This deeply disturbing case has left many in Summerville shaken, especially given the vulnerability of the victim and the level of violence involved. It also raises questions about how individuals with serious charges in one state can cross state lines and commit new crimes.
While justice has now been served with a 50-year sentence, for Delores Johnson and her family, the road to healing continues.
