The Terrifying Truth: How Karim Zakikhani’s Lies Changed Lives Forever
The tragic story of Karim Zakikhani and Sarita Anderson is a shocking example of betrayal and survival. This article reveals how Karim, a hospital security officer, knowingly infected Sarita with HIV while hiding the truth about his diagnosis and marriage.
Based on the Investigation Discovery episode “Evil Lives Here: Sleeping With The Enemy” and court records, we explore the timeline of events, Sarita’s painful journey, and Karim’s current status. This case is significant because it highlights the devastating effects of deception and the determination required to fight for justice.
How a Charming Man Hid a Deadly Secret
In 2013, Sarita Anderson met Karim “Tyson” Zakikhani while working as security officers at a Houston hospital. At first, Karim seemed charming and protective. He even defended Sarita from an ex, which earned her trust and affection.
They started dating in September of that year. As their relationship deepened, Sarita asked that both of them get tested for sexually transmitted diseases in December 2013.
Her results were negative. Karim claimed his results were negative as well, but refused to provide proof. Trusting him, Sarita allowed them to stop using protection. Unbeknownst to her, Karim had been diagnosed HIV-positive since March 2008.
When Illness Struck: Sarita’s Fight For Life
By April 2014, Sarita began feeling very ill. What started as hair loss quickly progressed to dramatic weight loss, flu-like symptoms, and skin blotches. Despite frequent doctor visits, the cause remained unclear. In May 2014, she was hospitalized with severe pneumonia. Karim appeared supportive and accompanied her to appointments, still hiding the truth.
A breakthrough came in September 2014 when a dentist discovered a thrush in her mouth, prompting an HIV test. The result was devastating—Sarita tested positive for HIV. In disbelief, she confronted Karim. He cried but gave no real answers. Sarita later learned that Karim had also infected his wife years earlier.
The Web of Lies: Marriage, Hidden Diagnosis, And More Victims
Sarita soon uncovered more disturbing facts. A coworker told her that Karim was married. His wife later confirmed that she was HIV-positive, infected by Karim in 2009. His mother also knew about his diagnosis but had not warned Sarita. Even worse, after Sarita bravely shared her story on social media, other women came forward to share their own experiences.
Some said they, too, had been infected by Karim. The number of known victims grew to at least 12. Despite her devastation, Sarita found new purpose: to prevent Karim from harming more women. In June 2016, she reported him to the police, initiating the legal process.
The Legal Battle: How Justice Was Served
By 2018, the case against Karim was airtight. Medical records proved he had been HIV-positive since March 2008. Sarita’s medical history showed no trace of HIV before her relationship with Karim. In Texas, knowingly transmitting HIV is considered using a deadly weapon. Karim was charged with aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury, a first-degree felony.
In June 2018, he pleaded guilty to the charge and received a 30-year prison sentence. He avoided a jury trial by taking a plea deal. During sentencing, Sarita gave a powerful statement: “You don’t know how strong you can be until you have no choice but to be strong.”
Life After The Trial: Sarita’s Strength and New Purpose
Though the trial brought justice, Sarita’s journey was far from over. The emotional trauma led her to a suicide attempt, from which her mother saved her. Soon after, Sarita discovered she was pregnant. Karim urged her to terminate the pregnancy, but she refused.
Under HIV treatment, her son was born healthy and HIV-negative. Sarita has since focused on healing and raising her child. She refuses to let the disease define her life, saying, “He may have given me something I’ll live with physically, but he won’t have me mentally for a lifetime.” Her courage continues to inspire others facing similar betrayals.
Where Is Karim Zakikhani Now?
Today, Karim Zakikhani is serving his sentence at the O.B. Ellis Unit in Huntsville, Texas. He is not eligible for parole until June 6, 2031, with a projected release date of June 5, 2046. In court, he kept his head down, showing no genuine remorse.
Though at least 12 women are believed to have been infected by him, only Sarita’s case resulted in charges and a conviction. Thanks to Sarita’s bravery in pursuing justice, Karim can no longer harm others while incarcerated. Her actions have likely saved many future victims.
Final Words
The story of Karim Zakikhani and Sarita Anderson is both tragic and inspiring. It demonstrates how betrayal and lies can devastate lives, but also how resilience and courage can shine through even the darkest experiences. Sarita’s strength and determination remind us of the importance of trust, awareness, and speaking out against injustice.
By turning her pain into purpose, Sarita not only sought justice for herself but also worked to protect others. Her story stands as a powerful example of how one voice can make a difference—and how the fight for justice is always worth it.
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