Richland County, S.C. — A violent and chaotic series of events in Richland County, South Carolina, has left one man dead and two others injured after a string of two armed carjackings and a fatal crash on Saturday afternoon. Authorities have since arrested 44-year-old Zee Zelazurro, who now faces a long list of serious criminal charges connected to the deadly rampage.
According to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, the incident began around 12:30 p.m. near Piney Grove Road and Piney Woods Road, where deputies were dispatched following reports of multiple carjackings and a wreck. When deputies arrived, they discovered a chaotic and tragic scene — two heavily damaged vehicles, one man dead, and the suspect, Zelazurro, trapped in one of the wrecked cars.
Deputies also found two additional victims — one adult and one juvenile — who had sustained injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Their conditions have not yet been released.
Investigators say Zelazurro’s violent spree began when he carjacked his first victim at gunpoint, firing into their vehicle during the confrontation. Fortunately, the victim was not struck by gunfire. Moments later, while fleeing the scene in the stolen vehicle, Zelazurro reportedly crashed into a white truck, disabling both vehicles.
After the initial collision, authorities believe Zelazurro fled on foot and approached another motorist nearby, carjacking a second vehicle, again at gunpoint. He then drove back toward the original crash scene — an inexplicable decision that led to further tragedy. As he approached, investigators say Zelazurro lost control of the stolen vehicle, which rolled over and struck the driver of the white truck, who had stepped out of his vehicle following the earlier collision. That driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
Deputies quickly apprehended Zelazurro following the crash. He was transported to an area hospital for evaluation and treatment before being taken into custody. Upon release from medical care, he will be booked into the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center on a series of felony charges, including:
- Reckless homicide
- Two counts of carjacking
- Two counts of possession of a weapon during a violent crime
- Discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle
- Assault and battery in the first degree
The Columbia Police Department is assisting with the ongoing crash investigation, while the Richland County Sheriff’s Department continues to piece together the timeline and motive behind the violent outburst.
“This was a senseless act of violence that cost an innocent man his life,” Sheriff Leon Lott said in a statement. “Our deputies acted swiftly to bring the situation under control and to prevent further loss of life. We will ensure that justice is served for the victims and their families.”
Residents of the Piney Grove area have expressed shock and sadness at the tragic chain of events. What began as an ordinary Saturday afternoon quickly turned into a scene of chaos and heartbreak. Neighbors described hearing screeching tires, multiple collisions, and the sounds of sirens filling the air as law enforcement rushed to the area.
As investigators work to determine Zelazurro’s mental state and what led to his actions, the community is left grappling with grief and disbelief. The identity of the man who lost his life has not yet been released pending notification of family.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the carjackings or the crash to come forward with information that may assist the ongoing investigation.
This tragedy stands as a stark reminder of how quickly violence can erupt and forever alter lives. While the legal process moves forward, one family now faces the unimaginable pain of losing a loved one to a senseless act, and a community mourns a life taken far too soon.
