In a series of chilling events that have rocked South Florida, a 25-year-old Hungarian man named Zsolt Zsolyomi has been arrested and charged with the murders of two elderly, disabled men.
Authorities allege that Zsolyomi used a fake identity to gain the trust of his victims before committing these heinous acts.
On February 19, 2025, Zsolyomi was taken into custody without bond, facing two counts of second-degree murder.
The Miami Beach Police Department has connected him to the deaths of Rodolfo Fernandez, 71, and Carlos Villaquiran, 66. Both men were found dead under suspicious circumstances, leading investigators to Zsolyomi.
On November 21, 2024, Villaquiran was discovered face down in the bathtub of his Miami Beach apartment. An autopsy revealed signs of strangulation, including internal trauma to both sides of the neck and a fractured rib. Investigations uncovered that Villaquiran and Zsolyomi were in a romantic relationship, during which Villaquiran had accused Zsolyomi of physical abuse and theft. Text messages between the two revealed Villaquiran confronting Zsolyomi about an injury to his eye and missing belongings. Surveillance footage placed Zsolyomi at Villaquiran’s apartment on the night of the murder.
On January 19, 2025, Fernandez was found deceased in the driver’s seat of his vehicle in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood. Both front seat belts were wrapped around his neck, suggesting the scene was staged to appear as an accident. The medical examiner ruled his death a homicide by strangulation. Fingerprint evidence and surveillance footage linked Zsolyomi to the crime scene, showing him exiting the passenger side of Fernandez’s car after the incident.
Miami Beach Police Department Chief Wayne Jones described Zsolyomi as “the epitome of evil,” stating, “He hunts his prey, he is patient, and then he kills them.” Investigators believe Zsolyomi targeted vulnerable individuals, using aliases like “Thomas Kray” to deceive and exploit his victims. In the case of Villaquiran, text messages revealed that Zsolyomi initially denied causing harm but later admitted, “Sometimes I don’t know what to do when I’m drunk,” followed by multiple apologies.
Following his arrest, Zsolyomi appeared in court, where Judge Mindy S. Glazer denied him bond. He is currently held without bond and is also on an immigration hold, as records indicate he overstayed his visa and is in the United States illegally. A public defender has been appointed to represent him.
The brutal nature of these crimes has sent shockwaves through the local community. Authorities are urging anyone who may have had interactions with Zsolyomi or possesses information related to similar incidents to come forward. The collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Miami Police Department, Miami Beach Police Department, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, were instrumental in apprehending Zsolyomi.
The arrest of Zsolt Zsolyomi highlights the dangers posed by individuals who exploit the trust of vulnerable members of society. As the legal process unfolds, the community remains vigilant, hoping for justice for the victims and their families. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of awareness and caution in interactions, especially with those who may have hidden motives.