Couple arrested for attacking tourists on Wisteria Island

A 43-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman were arrested Saturday for attacking two men on Wisteria Island.

Christopher Thomas John Yarema was charged with aggravated assault and causing property damage.

Stephanie Lynn Burnham was charged with battery and causing property damage.

There were no serious injuries reported in the incident.

Lower Keys Deputy Anthony Lopez was called to Coast Guard Station Key West at 6 p.m. regarding an assault on the island. Upon arrival, he met both victims — a man and his male partner, both from West Hollywood, California — who had rented a large boat from a local charter business. The large boat included a dinghy.

The first victim told Deputy Lopez that he and his partner anchored the rental boat near Wisteria Island. They then utilized the included dinghy to travel to Wisteria Island about 12 p.m. Once there, the men spent the day snorkeling and walking along the beach. They prepared to leave the island about 4:30 p.m. when they noticed a small skiff approaching. The man told Deputy Lopez that as the approaching skiff got near, it’s two occupants — identified as Yarema and Burnham — were yelling at them. The suspects yelled sexual slurs at the men as well as expletives. The suspects told the men to, “get the (deleted) off our island.” The tourists attempted to pack their things as the skiff got nearer. The first victim told Deputy Lopez that Burnham yelled, “You have five seconds to get off, or I will kill you.”

The first victim told Deputy Lopez that as he was untying the dinghy to leave, Burnham struck him the face with a closed fist, damaging his $800 sunglasses. Burnham then struck him on the head with a boat oar. The first victim told Deputy Lopez he pushed her away in an attempt to create distance between them when Yarema said, “You knocked down my wife, I’m going to kill you.” Yarema approached him with a four-inch blade, swung, but missed the first victim. The first victim was able to put the dinghy between himself and Yarema. Yarema came at him again with the knife, missing again, but punctured the dinghy. Yarema swung and stabbed the dinghy a second time.

The first victim told Deputy Lopez at he and his partner were able to get on the dinghy and make it back to the bigger rental boat where they radioed for help. The Coast Guard arrived and found the dinghy out of air.

The second victim gave Deputy Lopez the same version of events.

The charter boat company stated they wished to press charges for the damage to the dinghy, which is estimated to be between $2,000 and $5,000.

Deputy Lopez arrested Yarema and Burnham.

Yarema and Burnham were taken to jail.

 

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