In a world that often underestimates the strength and resilience of the elderly, Lorenza Marrujo, a 67-year-old woman standing just 4 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 100 pounds, has shattered stereotypes and shown that courage knows no age or size. Her remarkable story unfolded at a senior citizen complex in Fontana, California, where she not only defended herself but also came to the aid of a friend when an intruder threatened their safety.
However, one arrogant crook would quickly discover that her petite and weak appearance is just a cover.
Donald Robert Prestwood, 58, was unlucky enough to get into Marruja’s apartment when he broke into a senior complex in Fontana, California. An elderly resident gave the intruder a taste of her history – 26 years of martial arts training – as soon as she heard the disturbance.
Lorenza Marrujo, 67, was ready when an intruder broke into the seniors’ apartment complex. (Thanks for the photo)
Marrujo, also known as the “Ninja Lady”, studied jiu-jitsu from 1981 to 2007, during which time she attained her black belt. She struggled with homelessness for 30 years despite working as a security guard. All of the old woman’s life lessons came flooding back to her when an adversary wandered into her apartment.
According to Lorenza Marrujo, “I warned you to back off or I would have to hurt you.”
Prestwood turned and walked out the door in search of easier prey. But then Marrujo heard a scream coming from the opposite end of the corridor. When the burglar forced open the door to her apartment, Elizabeth McCray’s boyfriend grabbed her and knocked her to the ground. Marrujo didn’t want to give him another chance at that point.
McCray remarked of her friend, “I didn’t expect the little lady to be so brave. I warned them, ‘Be careful, she’s going to kill us.'” She replied, “Not tonight.
Prestwood, 5 feet, 10 inches, and 170 pounds, was said to have fallen to the ground as a result of Marrujo running up to him and kicking his leg. When Prestwood captured McCray, affectionately known as “Mama Liz,” Marrujo used one of his transition strategies.
“I had to bend his fingers back to get him off her. He roared because I used the bent fingers as one of my tactics. Then I brutally hit him, ‘boom’ I elbowed him twice in the sternum.” Marrujo narrated.
According to Elizabeth “Mama Liz” McCray, the 100-pound, 4-foot-11-inch woman came to her aid and overpowered the thief. (Thanks for the photo)
Lorenzo Marrujo then placed one knee on Prestwood’s chest and the other on his neck before grabbing him by the mouth. She then grabbed McCray’s cane and restrained the intruder, according to CBS News.
I pushed myself between them. I went on top of him, put my mom on the side, and started hitting and kicking him while I pressed the stick to his neck. Marrujo remarked. “I had my knee on his chest. I had my other knee on his neck. I shot him in the eye when I had his jaw.”
Lorenza Marrujo claims that after the intruder was held in place, she switched places to keep Prestwood down with her hands because she did not want to murder him.
Marrujo described the incident as follows: “He got up and tried to twist my arm, but I twisted his at the same time and quickly turned it around and he was saying, ‘You’re hurting me, you’re hurting me,'” I said, “I don’t care. I don’t care what you think. You have no right to harm a senior citizen.”
McCray still can’t believe the talent her friend has been hiding all these years. She laughed as she reaffirmed everything Marrujo had said.
“Mama Liz” McCray was treated for minor injuries in the hospital before leaving the next day. Prestwood was arrested and charged with elder abuse. Lorenza Marrujo’s detention allowed the police to arrest him without incident.
Lorenza Marrujo has been practicing jiu-jitsu for 26 years and plans to keep improving. (Thanks for the photo)
Marrujo said she has no immediate plans to stop using her approach despite the terrifying experience. In fact, she said she wanted to improve her powers so she could protect her friends and herself from anyone who might see the elderly as easy targets.
The story of Lorenza Marrujo, the “Ninja Lady” who refused to become a victim, reminds us that strength and courage are not determined by age, stature, or physical appearance. It emphasizes the importance of self-defense, preparedness, and resilience, qualities that enable individuals to protect themselves and others in times of danger.
At a time when the vulnerability of the elderly is often exploited, Marruja’s story serves as a poignant reminder that the human spirit remains indomitable and can rise to any challenge. It also highlights the importance of community bonds, as Marruja’s actions were not only an act of self-defense but also an expression of camaraderie and solidarity with her neighbor.
As we celebrate the resilience and bravery of Lorenza Marrujo, may her story inspire us to embrace the values ​​of courage, preparedness, and unity. Let’s realize that regardless of our age or circumstances, we all have the potential to stand up to adversity and protect those in need. In Lorenzo Marrujo, we find a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit, reminding us that heroes come in all shapes and sizes.