A Texas man has been charged with felony aggravated kidnapping after allegedly holding a woman he met on dating app Bumble captive for five days and repeatedly sexually assaulting and beating her. Zachary Kent Mills, a 21-year-old from Harris County, was arrested on December 30, 2022, and released on a $50,000 bond.
Mills and his alleged victim, identified only as “J.W.”, reportedly met on Bumble and started a romantic relationship, but it is not clear when they first met in person. On Christmas Eve, J.W. visited Mills’ apartment, where he attempted to have sex with her. When she refused, Mills physically assaulted her, and J.W. tried to leave several times, but Mills prevented her from doing so. Mills continued to assault her, without providing her with food or water.
The victim eventually managed to escape when Mills left the apartment to visit his father’s home, and she sought help. Medical personnel found that she had suffered severe bruising to both eyes, bite marks, and cuts to both her throat and nose, as well as severe bruising to the majority of her body.
Mills has been charged with first-degree aggravated kidnapping, and his attorney, Chris Denuna, has denied the allegations, claiming that J.W. and Mills had a history together and that several people, including friends and family, could vouch for their relationship.
This shocking incident raises concerns about the safety of online dating. While online dating can be a great way to meet people, it is important to take precautions to ensure your safety.
According to a study by the Pew Research Center, 30% of adults in the US have used an online dating site or app, and 12% have married or been in a committed relationship with someone they met through online dating. While this can be a positive experience for many, it is important to be aware of the potential risks.
Here are some tips to help you stay safe while online dating:
- Use a reputable dating site or app. Make sure to research the site or app before signing up and read reviews from other users.
- Don’t share personal information too soon. Avoid giving out personal information, such as your phone number or address, until you have gotten to know the person better.
- Meet in a public place. Always meet for the first time in a public place, such as a coffee shop or restaurant, and tell a friend or family member where you will be and who you will be meeting.
- Trust your instincts. If something feels off, trust your instincts and don’t meet the person.
- Take things slowly. Take your time getting to know the person before meeting in person or becoming too emotionally invested.
- Be cautious of red flags. If the person exhibits any red flags, such as being overly aggressive or controlling, end the relationship immediately.
While online dating can be a great way to meet people, it is important to take precautions to ensure your safety. Always trust your instincts and be cautious of red flags. Remember that your safety should always be your top priority.
