Miami Police Nab Illegal Immigrant in Middle of Alleged Murder Rampage

A Tragic Case of Alleged SERIAL MURDERS IN MIAMI

A disturbing and tragic series of events has unfolded in Miami, where a 25-year-old Hungarian man, identified as Zsolt Zsolyomi, has been taken into custody for the alleged strangulation of two elderly men. The victims, both of whom were part of the LGBTQ+ community, were reportedly befriended by Zsolyomi before their deaths in November 2024 and January 2025. The case has sparked concerns about public safety, particularly in the LGBTQ+ community, and has also reignited debates about immigration and border security in the United States.

THE SUSPECT AND THE CRIMES

Zsolt Zsolyomi, who entered the U.S. in October 2022 on a visa and overstayed his legal permit, was arrested by Miami police on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. He is currently facing two counts of second-degree murder and is also being held on an immigration detainer. According to authorities, Zsolyomi had been ordered to be deported in September 2024 but remained in the country wearing an ankle monitor as he awaited removal. The crimes he is accused of are particularly heinous, involving the targeted killing of elderly men who were vulnerable due to their age and social circumstances.

The first victim, 66-year-old Carlos Villaquiran, was found dead in the bathtub of his Miami Beach apartment on November 21, 2024. The Medical Examiner’s report confirmed that Villaquiran had been strangled to death. The second victim, 71-year-old Rodolfo Fernandez de Velasco, was discovered in the driver’s seat of his car in Miami on January 21, 2025, with both front seatbelts wrapped around his neck. Surveillance footage showed the car crashing into a wall, after which an unidentified man, believed by police to be Zsolyomi, exited the passenger door and fled the scene. Police believe Zsolyomi and Fernandez de Velasco had met just hours earlier at a gas station.

THE BROADER CONTEXT: IMMIGRATION AND CRIME IN THE 2024 ELECTION

The arrest of Zsolt Zsolyomi has drawn attention to the highly politicized issue of illegal immigration and crime in the United States. During the 2024 presidential election, the topic of immigration became a central focus, particularly for now-President Donald Trump, who campaigned on a promise to address the issue more aggressively than his predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden. While research has consistently shown that immigrants, including undocumented ones, are less likely to commit crimes than American citizens, high-profile cases like this one often dominate public discourse and fuel debates about border security and the undocumented population.

The case also raises questions about the efficiency of the U.S. immigration system, particularly in dealing with individuals who overstay their visas or are awaiting deportation. Zsolyomi’s case is a stark reminder of the challenges authorities face in managing and monitoring individuals who remain in the country unlawfully. His ability to remain in the U.S. despite being ordered to be deported has sparked outrage and calls for greater accountability in immigration enforcement.

THE COMMUNITY’S RESPONSE AND NEXT STEPS

The alleged crimes have left the Miami community, particularly the LGBTQ+ community, in shock and grief. Miami Beach Police Chief Wayne Jones expressed his belief that Zsolyomi would have continued to target vulnerable individuals if he had not been apprehended. "There’s no doubt in my mind, had he not been caught, he would have done this again, and again, and again," Jones said. Miami Police Chief Manuel Morales also praised the collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies in solving the case, stating, "I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of all the detectives involved in this case."

As the investigation continues, police are urging anyone who may have been a victim of Zsolyomi or has information about his activities to come forward. The suspect is currently being held in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on March 12, 2025. The case serves as a grim reminder of the need for vigilance and solidarity in protecting vulnerable members of society.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR ZSOLYOMI AND THE COMMUNITY

In the weeks and months ahead, Zsolt Zsolyomi will face the U.S. justice system for the alleged murders of Carlos Villaquiran and Rodolfo Fernandez de Velasco. If convicted, he could face severe penalties, including life imprisonment. Meanwhile, the case has also reopened broader conversations about immigration reform, public safety, and the protection of vulnerable populations. Advocates are calling for greater support for the LGBTQ+ community, as well as for improved systems to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.

As the community mourns the loss of two innocent lives, the case of Zsolt Zsolyomi serves as a painful reminder of the complexities and challenges of ensuring safety and justice in a diverse and ever-changing society. The hope is that through this tragedy, meaningful steps can be taken to prevent similar incidents and to foster a more inclusive and secure environment for all.