Savannah Johnson, a 22-year-old from Michigan, was left paralyzed from the neck down after Isaac Ruiz allegedly broke into her vacation rental in Wilmington, North Carolina, and attacked her during a vicious strangulation assault that fractured multiple vertebrae and caused life-altering injuries.
Background
According to authorities, Ruiz had been "stewing" over Johnson after she rejected his romantic advances following a double date. The Marine, stationed at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina, allegedly targeted her while she was staying at the Wilmington home during what should have been a vacation visit.
"My niece called me and was screaming, 'Savannah, Savannah, unconscious,'" said Amanda Johnson, Savannah's mother, in an interview with WECT. "Obviously, he was stewing over that. It's quite shocking that it would go to this length just because she wasn't interested in him."
The attack occurred on June 14 when Ruiz allegedly forced his way into the residence where Johnson was staying. Police say he pummeled and strangled her before fleeing the scene.
"She's giving it her all," Amanda Johnson told WECT, describing Savannah's determination during physical therapy sessions aimed at helping her walk again one day.
The Investigation
The 2nd Marine Division confirmed to WECT that Ruiz, a mortarman assigned to the 1st Battalion, was arrested and charged in connection with the alleged attack. U.S. officials say the division has been fully cooperating with investigators throughout the process.
Ruiz faces three charges: assault by strangulation, assault inflicting serious bodily injury, and first-degree burglary. An arrest warrant details the extent of Johnson's injuries sustained during the attack.
"The defendant unlawfully, willfully, and feloniously did assault Savannah Johnson and inflict physical injury, C5-C6 fracture with ligament injury, T2-T6 compression fracture, vertebral artery dissection, and narrowing of her internal carotid artery by strangulation and assaulting the victim," the warrant states.
In a disturbing development that has raised concerns among investigators, Ruiz became the top donor to Johnson's Spotfund online fundraiser established by her family to cover mounting medical expenses. His contribution of $2,000 included a message that authorities say read: "Each day that passes you don't realize how much stronger you are becoming. It will be over before you know it."
Police declined to comment when asked whether they were aware of the donation and its accompanying cryptic note.
Key Takeaways
- Isaac Ruiz, a 26-year-old Marine stationed at Camp Lejeune, is charged with assault by strangulation, assault inflicting serious bodily injury, and first-degree burglary
- Savannah Johnson, 22, suffered C5-C6 fractures, T2-T6 compression fractures, vertebral artery dissection, and narrowing of her internal carotid artery during the June 14 attack
- Police say Ruiz attacked Johnson after she rejected his romantic advances following a double date setup
- Ruiz donated $2,000 to Johnson's online fundraiser with a message that read: "It will be over before you know it."
- Johnson remains paralyzed from the neck down and is currently undergoing physical therapy in an effort to walk again
What's Next
Ruiz remains in custody as the investigation continues. The Marine's military status and potential base-specific jurisdiction could complicate prosecution proceedings, according to legal observers following the case. The Johnson family has continued to update supporters on Savannah's recovery progress through the Spotfund campaign, documenting her physical therapy journey as she works toward regaining mobility.
Court dates for preliminary hearings have not yet been scheduled, authorities said.