Joseph Feda Obituary, Death – Authorities in Richland County have identified the victim in a tragic series of events that unfolded Saturday, involving multiple carjackings and a deadly crash. The Richland County Coroner’s Office confirmed that 71-year-old Joseph J. Feda, a resident of Irmo, lost his life following the chaotic incident.
According to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, the events began around 12:30 p.m. when 44-year-old Zee Zee Zelazurro allegedly committed a series of carjackings that ended in a fatal crash. Investigators say Zelazurro first approached a driver in a Mazda 6 near the roundabout at Piney Woods and Piney Grove Roads, demanding control of the vehicle. During the encounter, he reportedly forced the driver to head toward Broad River Road. When the driver resisted, Zelazurro allegedly fired several shots inside the vehicle. Fortunately, the driver was not physically harmed and managed to escape before Zelazurro took off in the car.
Shortly afterward, authorities say Zelazurro crashed the Mazda into a Chevrolet Colorado being driven by Joseph Feda. Following this collision, Zelazurro is believed to have attempted another carjacking involving a Dodge Durango, but when that attempt failed, he jumped onto the hood of a nearby Audi A4, forcing the driver out before taking the vehicle.
Investigators report that Zelazurro then drove the Audi back toward the scene of the first crash, where Feda had exited his damaged truck and was waiting for law enforcement to arrive. Upon returning, Zelazurro allegedly lost control of the Audi, which overturned and struck Feda. Despite emergency efforts, Feda succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Witnesses described the situation as chaotic. One bystander told investigators that he saw Zelazurro crawl from the overturned car with a firearm in his possession. Acting quickly, the witness disarmed him and restrained him until deputies arrived at the scene.
The sheriff’s department also reported that two other individuals — an adult and a juvenile — were hurt in the crash. Their current conditions have not been made public, and authorities have not clarified their connection to the sequence of events.
Zelazurro was taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention after the crash. As of Monday afternoon, he had not yet been booked into the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center. Initially, officials said he was facing several charges, including two counts each of carjacking and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, along with one count each of reckless homicide and first-degree assault and battery.
However, the sheriff’s department later confirmed that additional charges had been filed as the investigation developed. These new charges include 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 person previously convicted of a violent offense.
Authorities continue to investigate the timeline of events and the motive behind the series of crimes. Sheriff’s officials expressed their gratitude to the bystanders who assisted in subduing the suspect and preventing further harm, noting that their actions likely helped bring the situation under control more quickly.
The community has been left shaken by the violent chain of events, which began as a series of carjackings and ended with the tragic loss of an innocent man. Law enforcement officials emphasized that such crimes are rare in the area and reassured residents that the situation was isolated, with no ongoing threat to the public.
As investigators continue gathering evidence, they are urging anyone who may have witnessed the events or has additional information to come forward. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department is working with multiple agencies to ensure that all aspects of the incident are fully examined, with a focus on securing justice for Joseph Feda and ensuring community safety moving forward.
