Authorities in Oklahoma have arrested a 24-year-old man accused of ambushing and repeatedly stabbing his former co-worker outside her home after what investigators described as a pattern of unwanted attention that escalated into violence.
Ronaldo Zavala faces multiple felony charges including aggravated assault and battery, assault and battery while masked or disguised, and domestic assault and battery with a deadly weapon following the early morning attack, according to Pottawatomie County jail records. The assault took place around 1 a.m. on Saturday as the 18-year-old victim returned home.
Investigators say the young woman had paused on her front porch while eating a burger when a masked figure approached her from behind and stabbed her in the neck and wrist. Captain Jared Strand of the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office told KWTV that the attacker repeatedly said, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” as he stabbed her approximately 14 times.
The victim’s screams woke her mother and brother, and authorities say the brother ran outside and tried to shield his sister. He was stabbed during the struggle but managed to frighten the attacker away. The suspect fled in a vehicle before deputies reached the rural residence.
Sheriff’s officials quickly developed Zavala as a suspect after collecting evidence at the scene. According to investigators, Zavala and the victim had previously worked together at a local movie theater.
She had filed a workplace complaint over his “obsessive” behavior, which led to his termination. Authorities say that after being fired, Zavala began stalking her and sending unsolicited food deliveries and gifts.
“He was just obsessed with this female and she had no interest whatsoever, and it just drove him to the brink of committing this crime,” Strand said, adding that Zavala allegedly hid near her home on the night of the attack and waited for her to return.
The victim’s brother, who suffered minor injuries, is credited with stopping the assault and likely saving her life. She was listed in critical but stable condition when officials announced Zavala’s arrest.
