Hungarian national jailed for murdering 2 elderly men in separate incidents, cops say
An early morning possible hit-and-run in Miami last month led detectives to a grueling discovery at the alleged hands of a Hungarian national, authorities said. He was put behind bars for two murders Wednesday, but police are still searching for other possible victims.
On January 19, Rodolfo Fernandez de Velasco, a 71-year-old disabled man, was behind the wheel of a black 2014 Kia Soul that slammed into a sidewall in Miami, at Northwest 14th Avenue and Northwest Second Street, Miami police said.
Officers were initially called out to a possible hit-and-run, but that changed when they discovered Fernandez de Velasco dead with both front seatbelts wrapped around his neck. In their search for answers, police checked nearby surveillance footage, which showed the crash and an unknown man getting out of the passenger seat before officers arrived.
Fernandez de Velasco's cause of death was later revealed to be asphyxiation, promptly launching a homicide investigation.
Not only did they find an alleged suspect, but they also linked him to a similar murder in Miami Beach involving an elderly, disabled man. He was found dead in his home on Nov. 21.
Detectives, with the help of Miami Beach police and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, identified the mystery man as 25-year-old Hungarian national Zsolt Zsolyomi, police said.
'Our detectives conducted a comprehensive investigation in partnership with the City of Miami Police Department, resulting in the successful apprehension of Zsolt Zsolyomi.' Miami Beach Police Chief Wayne Jones said in a statement. 'We remain committed to pursuing justice for the victim and his family.'
Zsolyomi was caught on Wednesday, after detectives obtained an arrest warrant, by Miami police's felony apprehension team in downtown Miami.
According to police, Zsolyomi confessed to detectives about the murders. He is currently being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on two counts of second-degree murder.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have been victimized by Zsolt Zsolyomi or who has information related to similar cases to call the Miami Police Department's Homicide Unit at 305-603-6350.
'This successful partnership between Miami Police, Miami Beach Police, CBP, SAO and other agencies is a prime example of the power of collaboration in bringing justice and closure to the victims and their families,' Miami Police Chief Manuel Morales said in a satement. 'It is through these united efforts that we can hold those who commit such heinous crimes accountable and ensure the safety of our community.'
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