Hungarian Man Charged with Murdering Vulnerable Elderly Gay Men in Miami

Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, USA - In a chilling case that has rocked the Miami-Dade community, 26-year-old Zsolt Zsolyomi, a Hungarian national, is facing serious charges related to the murders of two elderly men. Newly uncovered text messages shed light on the relationship between Zsolyomi and his first victim, 66-year-old Carlos Villaquiran, revealing a troubling descent from companionship to fatal confrontation. According to NBC Miami, these messages, which began in early September 2024, indicate a friendly rapport turned suspicious as Villaquiran confronted Zsolyomi about past lies just weeks before his death.

Villaquiran’s body was discovered on November 21, 2024, in his Miami Beach apartment, with strangulation confirmed as the cause of death. Prior to that fateful day, Villaquiran had recently discovered Zsolyomi’s real name and concerning past involving a strong-arm robbery, which may have contributed to the rising tension between the two. Following this incident, Zsolyomi struck again in Little Havana, where 71-year-old Rodolfo Fernandez de Velasco was found dead in his car in January 2025, also the result of strangulation and with evidence pointing to a staged crash to obscure the crime.

Targeting Vulnerabilities

Investigators suspect that Zsolyomi deliberately targeted elderly members of the gay community. Miami police characterized him as a dangerous individual who exploits vulnerable victims, highlighting the importance of collaboration within law enforcement agencies to apprehend such offenders. As reported by CBS News, the police chiefs of Miami and Miami Beach corroborate the urgency of this case, emphasizing that Zsolyomi is currently held without bond and faces immigration hold for overstaying his visa.

Residents and community leaders are now on high alert as police seek information from anyone who may have encountered Zsolyomi or been victimized by him. The reality of violence directed toward older adults is not just a local concern; it touches a wider issue impacting many communities. A growing number of studies reveal that older adults, particularly those who are socially isolated, may be particularly at risk for various forms of violence, whether it stems from personal relationships or broader societal issues.

The Broader Context

The trends in violence against older adults are troubling. A study published by the National Institutes of Health highlights how individuals aged 65 and over are increasingly becoming victims due to perceived vulnerability. Common risk factors for violence in older Americans include medical conditions, functional disabilities, and social isolation. Alarmingly, while older adults report lower instances of violent crime, they often face serious risks from interpersonal relationships, including intimate partner violence.

Communities must prioritize raising awareness about these risks and enhancing resources for prevention. With the elderly population expected to reach 83 million by 2050, there’s an urgent need for strategies that curtail violence against this demographic. Advocacy for comprehensive programs that support caregivers and educate families about recognizing the signs of potential harm is essential.

As the case against Zsolyomi unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by many in our community. The tragic losses of Carlos Villaquiran and Rodolfo Fernandez de Velasco underscore the need for continued vigilance and support for our elderly population. Together, we can work towards a safer environment for all individuals, particularly those most at risk.

For updates on this unfolding story, please follow the ongoing coverage from NBC Miami and CBS News. Insights on the broader issue of violence against older adults can be found in this NIH study.