Buckeye woman defends fiancé with $500,000 bond in assault case

A Buckeye, Arizona, woman told a judge on Wednesday that her fiancé did not plan the home invasion that left her attacked last month. The couple’s relationship is now at the center of a legal dispute involving 23-year-old Zarian Dyer and 20-year-old Adrian Ayala.

Police say Dyer plotted the Oct. 16 attack with Ayala over Reddit. Court documents indicate Dyer instructed Ayala on parking and entry details. A prosecutor alleged Dyer wanted Ayala to FaceTime him during the assault. The woman stated she did not consent to the plan.

The victim broke down in tears while describing the intrusion to the court. She said her security sensor alerted her to her front door opening. Assuming her partner was returning from groceries, she and her 17-month-old daughter went to the door. She found a stranger instead. After she refused Ayala’s request to use the restroom, he barged inside and attacked her. Police say Ayala also kicked her daughter.

The woman argued that Dyer faced false accusations fabricated by Ayala during an attempt to make excuses. She cited losing income and facing eviction since the arrests began.

Ayala was arrested on Oct. 17 and is currently out of custody. A judge entered not guilty pleas on his behalf for five counts. His release conditions include no contact with the victims. Dyer remains in custody with a bond set at $500,000.