A tragic sequence of events unfolded Saturday afternoon in Richland County, South Carolina, culminating in the death of 71-year-old Joseph Feda of Irmo. The incident began with two armed carjackings and ended with a fatal crash involving the suspect, 44-year-old Zee Zelazurro.
At approximately 12:30 p.m., deputies responded to reports of two carjackings and a wreck near the intersection of Pine Grove Road and Piney Woods Road. Upon arrival, they found Zelazurro inside a wrecked vehicle and an adult male deceased at the scene. Two other victims, including a juvenile, were taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Investigators determined that Zelazurro first carjacked an individual at gunpoint, firing into the occupied vehicle but not hitting the driver. After taking the car, he drove north on Piney Grove Road and collided with Feda’s white truck. Zelazurro then fled on foot and carjacked a second vehicle. Returning in the direction of the crash, he lost control and rolled over, striking and killing Feda, who had exited his truck after the initial collision.
Zelazurro has been charged with reckless homicide, two counts of carjacking, two counts of possession of a weapon during a violent crime, discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle, and first-degree assault and battery. He was taken to a hospital following the crash and will be booked at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center upon his release. The Columbia Police Department is investigating both crashes, and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department is leading the investigation into the carjackings.
The community has been left in shock and mourning following the tragic events. Local authorities have urged anyone with information about the carjackings to come forward to assist in the investigation.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the carjackings and the subsequent crash. The family of Joseph Feda has requested privacy during this difficult time. A memorial service is being planned to honor his memory.