An Arizona woman’s fiancé is accused of recruiting a man to sexually assault her after police said the man invaded her home and attacked her while her two children were inside.
Zarian Dyer was arrested on Thursday, October 29, in connection with his alleged online plot to have his fiancée assaulted, the Buckeye Police Department said in a news release.
The woman was attacked by a man she didn’t know during the home invasion at her Buckeye residence on October 16, according to police.
Home security footage showed the woman, Bella Torres, fighting off the man in her driveway, per NBC affiliate KPNX.
Torres told the TV station that the man, who police have since identified as Adrian Ayala, arrived at her door asking to use her restroom.
“As he’s finishing the word restroom, he starts to charge at me and grabs my neck,” Torres said.
The man began assaulting her and also kicked her young daughter, Torres told the TV station. He also allegedly told her to remove her clothes before the struggle ensued in the driveway.
Ayala, 20, fled the area before officers arrived, according to police. He was arrested at his home in Goodyear the next day, and told officers Torres’ fiancé, Dyer, 23, wanted him to assault her.
“At the time of the arrest, Ayala claimed he went to the victim’s home after meeting her fiancé online and entering into an agreement with him to sexually assault the victim,” police said in the news release.
As Torres fought Ayala off in the driveway, he’s heard telling her, “Your boyfriend sent me,” according to the footage shared by KPNX.
Investigators ultimately seized Ayala’s electronic devices as well as Dyer’s cellphone and learned both men had communicated with each other and planned the October 16 assault, according to police.
“The motive behind the plot is unknown at this time,” police said.
Dyer was taken into custody on charges including aggravated assault, sexual abuse, attempted sexual assault, kidnapping and conspiracy, according to authorities.
Before his arrest, Ayala’s attorney said in court that his client had gone to Torres’ home because of Torres’ partner, as part of a “role-play,” per Arizona’s Family.
While speaking with the news outlet, Torres previously disputed Ayala’s accusation that Dyer had a role in the attack.
“I’ve never seen this person in my life. Neither has my partner. He [Ayala] was seen walking around other houses. I just got caught in the crossfire,” Torres said.
Information on whether Dyer had retained legal counsel wasn’t immediately available.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
