A 71-year-old grandmother in Crestline, California, is in critical condition after being brutally attacked with a baseball bat by a man she had invited into her home.
Therese Garcia was approached last month by Erik Eduardo Navarro, 26, who told her he had been robbed while camping and needed assistance before a job interview. Believing his story, Garcia welcomed him into her home, provided meals, and offered support.
Over the course of six days, Navarro's behavior reportedly became more demanding, and he failed to contribute to household tasks as initially agreed. When Garcia asked Navarro to leave, he allegedly waited until she fell asleep on the couch and then began a prolonged assault with a metal baseball bat.
Garcia's family stated that Navarro continued to beat her for hours, pausing only when she lost consciousness, and resuming when she regained it. He then allegedly fled with her phone, credit cards, keys, and electric bike.
Deputies from the San Bernardino Sheriff's Office discovered Garcia after neighbors requested a welfare check on August 25. They found her with significant injuries, including a cut on her forehead, a damaged eyebrow, swollen hands, and eye injuries that impaired her vision.
Garcia has been hospitalized with a traumatic brain injury, a brain bleed, and multiple deep lacerations requiring extensive stitching. Her family has expressed that she was vomiting blood for days and suffered broken bones in her arm, hands, and face. Her condition has recently begun to stabilize, though she remains in considerable pain and experiences dizziness and exhaustion due to her brain injury.
An online fundraiser has been established to assist with Garcia's medical expenses, as she does not have health insurance. Her family is concerned about the long-term recovery process, potential facial surgery once swelling subsides, and the need for extensive in-home care.
Authorities are actively searching for Navarro. Garcia's daughter, Abbie, conveyed that her mother's kindness and willingness to help someone she believed was in need led to this unimaginable violence. The family is appealing for prayers and information regarding Navarro's whereabouts. The San Bernardino Sheriff's Office Twin Peaks station can be reached at (909) 336-0660 for those with information.