Fatal Crash in Richland County Involves Suspect Linked to Carjackings

Emergency responders at the scene of a serious car crash in Richland County

Richland County, October 21, 2025

News Summary

A tragic accident occurred in Richland County when 71-year-old Joseph J. Feda was killed after being struck by a vehicle driven by 44-year-old Zee Zee Zelazurro, a suspect connected to multiple carjackings. The collision happened after Zelazurro carjacked two vehicles and attempted a third before crashing into Feda’s vehicle. The investigation is ongoing, with several charges filed against the suspect, including reckless homicide and armed robbery.

Richland County, South Carolina – A tragic incident unfolded on Saturday, October 18, when 71-year-old Joseph J. Feda lost his life in a crash involving a suspect previously linked to a series of carjackings. The collision occurred in the 400 block of Piney Woods Road, where Feda was struck by a vehicle driven by 44-year-old Zee Zee Zelazurro.

Feda died at the scene after being hit by Zelazurro, who had carjacked two vehicles before the fatal crash. The first carjacking took place near the roundabout of Piney Woods and Piney Grove roads, where Zelazurro allegedly forced the driver of a Mazda 6 to drive toward Broad River Road. When the driver attempted to resist, Zelazurro reportedly fired multiple rounds at the vehicle, but the driver managed to escape unharmed.

After seizing control of the Mazda 6, Zelazurro crashed into Feda’s Chevrolet Colorado. In an ensuing attempt to continue his crime spree, he attempted to carjack a Dodge Durango and subsequently jumped onto the hood of an Audi A4, forcing its driver to exit the vehicle. After taking control of the Audi, Zelazurro drove back toward the original crash scene, where Feda was awaiting law enforcement following the earlier accident.

In a tragic turn of events, the Audi flipped during the chaotic incident and struck Feda, leading to his death. A bystander reported witnessing Zelazurro crawl out of the wreckage with a handgun. The bystander intervened by taking the weapon and detaining Zelazurro until the authorities arrived.

Authorities also noted that another adult and a juvenile were injured during the incidents, although updates on their conditions have not yet been provided. Following the crash, Zelazurro was transported to a local hospital for treatment. At the latest report, he had not yet been booked into the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.

Zelazurro faces multiple charges, including two counts of carjacking, two counts of possession of a weapon during a violent crime, one count of reckless homicide, one count of first-degree assault and battery, and various other charges comprising attempted robbery, attempted carjacking, a third count of possession of a weapon during a violent crime, two counts of armed robbery, and possession of a weapon by a violent crime convict.

The investigation is still ongoing, with law enforcement from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and the Columbia Police Department collaborating on the case, as stated by Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford.

Key Information Summary

  • Incident Location: 400 block of Piney Woods Road, Richland County
  • Victim: Joseph J. Feda, 71, Irmo, South Carolina
  • Suspect: Zee Zee Zelazurro, 44
  • Date of Incident: October 18
  • Charges Against Suspect: Multiple including reckless homicide and carjacking

Background Context

The ongoing investigation into this tragic incident highlights the rising concerns about violent crime in the area. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as the situation develops. In the wake of the incident, law enforcement is urging community members to report any suspicious activity and to remain vigilant.

FAQs

What happened in Richland County on October 18?

An incident occurred where 71-year-old Joseph J. Feda was killed in a crash involving a suspect linked to a series of carjackings.

Who is the victim of the crash?

The victim has been identified as Joseph J. Feda, 71, from Irmo, South Carolina.

What charges is the suspect facing?

Zee Zee Zelazurro faces charges including two counts of carjacking, reckless homicide, and armed robbery.

Incident Overview

Feature Details
Incident Date October 18
Victim Joseph J. Feda, 71
Suspect Zee Zee Zelazurro, 44
Location 400 block of Piney Woods Road, Richland County
Charges Filed Multiple including carjacking and reckless homicide

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Additional Resources

Fatal Crash in Richland County Involves Suspect Linked to Carjackings

STAFF HERE IRMO
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO

The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.

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