CRESTLINE, Calif. — What began as an act of kindness toward a stranger allegedly ended with a 71-year-old grandmother fighting for her life after a brutal attack inside her own home.
Therese Garcia had reportedly opened the doors of her Crestline residence to Erik Eduardo Navarro, 26, after he arrived claiming that his belongings had been stolen.
According to Garcia’s family, Navarro said he needed somewhere to stay because he had an upcoming job interview. Garcia, described by her loved ones as a caring and generous woman, agreed to let him stay.
For the next two weeks, the grandmother reportedly cooked for Navarro every night and came to view him as a young man who had fallen on hard times.
Her family says that perception eventually changed.
Family Says Guest Began Taking Over Her Home
According to Garcia’s relatives, Navarro eventually began making demands and taking control of the home. The situation reportedly became serious enough that Garcia told him on Aug. 25 that it was time for him to leave.
That decision allegedly triggered a violent response. Authorities say Navarro is suspected of taking a metal baseball bat and attacking Garcia while she was sleeping.
The family described the assault as lasting for hours, saying Garcia repeatedly lost and regained consciousness before the attack finally stopped.
According to the family’s GoFundMe account, Navarro allegedly stopped only after he apparently believed Garcia had died. He then allegedly took her phone, credit cards, keys, E-bike and other belongings before fleeing the home.
Grandmother Suffers Serious Injuries
Garcia survived the attack, but the injuries were severe.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said she suffered a forehead laceration, a cut eyebrow, swollen hands and severe swelling around her eyes that affected her vision.
Her family says she also spent days vomiting blood and could potentially require facial surgery.
Photos shared by her family show Garcia recovering in a hospital bed with a neck brace, visibly swollen eyes and a cast on her left arm.
Despite the severity of the attack, relatives say Garcia remains medically stable and has begun taking small steps toward recovery.
But the road ahead is expected to be difficult.
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Her family says she remains in significant pain and is dealing with dizziness, exhaustion and the effects of a brain injury.
Suspect Remains Missing After Alleged Attack
Navarro fled the scene following the alleged assault and has not yet been located, according to the information provided by authorities and Garcia’s family.
Investigators are treating the incident as battery with serious bodily injury.
Authorities have released Navarro’s photograph and are asking anyone who may know where he is or have information about the attack to come forward.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Twin Peaks Station at 909-336-0660.
The search continues as Garcia remains hospitalized and her loved ones focus on helping her recover.
Family Says Grandmother Is Grateful to Be Alive
For Garcia’s family, the focus now is on her recovery and finding the person they believe nearly took her life.
They are also seeking financial help because Garcia does not have health insurance, adding another challenge to an already devastating situation. Her family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with medical and recovery expenses.
“Please keep my mom in your prayers. Pray for her healing, her strength, her vision, her recovery, and for the person responsible to be found,” the family wrote.
They added that they remain deeply grateful that Garcia survived.
“We are incredibly grateful that she is still here.”
The family’s account portrays Garcia as someone who tried to help a stranger when he appeared to be in need. Now, the 71-year-old grandmother is facing a long recovery from an attack that authorities say was carried out inside the home where she had offered him shelter.
Her loved ones are hoping she can regain her strength, vision and independence while investigators continue searching for Navarro.
What do you think about Garcia’s decision to help a stranger and the terrifying events that allegedly followed? Share your thoughts in the comments.