Savannah Johnson traveled from Michigan to Wilmington, North Carolina, for what should have been a vacation with friends. Instead, the 22-year-old found herself fighting for her life after authorities say a U.S. Marine attacked her in her sleep, leaving her paralyzed from the neck down.
Isaac Ruiz, a 26-year-old mortarman assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, is charged with assault by strangulation, assault inflicting serious bodily injury, and first-degree burglary in connection with the June 14 attack on Johnson at a home where she was staying.
Background
According to Johnson's family, she had been set up on a double date with Ruiz and another couple shortly before the attack. When Savannah did not reciprocate his romantic interest after the outing, her relatives believe it set off a dangerous obsession.
"Obviously, he was stewing over that," Savannah's father, Ricky Johnson, told Port City Daily. "It's quite shocking that it would go to this length just because she wasn't interested in him."
Rita Gonzalez, Johnson's aunt, received a chilling phone call as the attack unfolded.
"My niece called me and was screaming, 'Savannah, Savannah, unconscious,'" Amanda Johnson, Savannah's mother, told WECT. "She didn't know what else to do except call us."
The Investigation
Police say Ruiz broke into the home where Johnson—visiting from Michigan—was staying and attacked her while she slept. According to an arrest warrant, he allegedly pummeled and strangled his victim, causing catastrophic injuries.
"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 the internal carotid artery by strangulation and assaulting the victim," the warrant states.
The 2nd Marine Division confirmed to WECT that Ruiz was arrested and charged in connection with the alleged attack. Officials say the division has been fully cooperating with investigators.
In a move the Johnson family describes as deeply disturbing, Ruiz made a $2,000 donation to Savannah's Spotfund online fundraiser following the assault. The message attached to his contribution read: "Each day that passes you don't realize how much stronger you are becoming. It will be over before you know it."
"It was him," Amanda Johnson confirmed when asked if they knew who made the ominous donation. Police declined to comment on whether they were aware of the post.
Key Takeaways
- Savannah Johnson, 22, remains paralyzed from the neck down following the alleged attack in Wilmington, North Carolina
- Isaac Ruiz, a Camp Lejeune Marine, is charged with assault by strangulation, assault inflicting serious bodily injury, and first-degree burglary
- The attack allegedly occurred after Johnson rejected Ruiz following a double date
- Ruiz donated $2,000 to Johnson's recovery fundraiser with a message critics call ominous: "It will be over before you know it."
What's Next
Johnson continues to undergo intensive physical therapy in hopes of walking again. Her family says she remains determined despite the devastating nature of her injuries.
"She's giving it her all," Amanda Johnson told WECT. "She wants to walk again."
Ruiz faces a preliminary hearing date scheduled for later this month where a judge will determine whether enough evidence exists to proceed to trial on the charges.