Daughter of beating victim Diana Agudelo confronts alleged attacker in court on Randall’s Island.

The recent court proceedings concerning the brutal attack on Diana Agudelo, a 44-year-old museum worker, have garnered significant public attention following an incident that left her in critical condition. Agudelo was viciously assaulted while biking home from work on Randall’s Island on May 16, 2025, in what authorities described as an unprovoked attack.

On Wednesday, Agudelo’s daughter, Stephanie Rodas, 21, confronted the accused attacker, Miguel Jiraud, during his arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court. Despite Rodas’ presence, Jiraud reportedly did not meet her gaze, a detail that deeply affected her. After the hearing, Rodas shared her distress at the sight of a man she initially perceived as ordinary, posing such grave harm to her family. She expressed her disbelief, recounting her ongoing quest for answers regarding the attack that has profoundly disrupted her life.

Jiraud, a resident of a Randall’s Island shelter, has been charged with attempted murder and robbery. He was apprehended a week after the incident, having been on parole for a prior conviction for rape, which was part of a 12-year prison sentence. Investigating authorities retrieved data from his ankle monitor, placing him at the scene of Agudelo’s beating, a situation that began to unravel his initial claims of finding Agudelo and calling 911.

Agudelo’s injuries were severe; she has suffered multiple skull fractures, a puncture wound, and significant brain hemorrhaging, necessitating extensive surgeries to manage intracranial swelling. Currently, she remains hospitalized and is reportedly severely cognitively impaired, as noted by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Furthermore, recent updates indicate that Agudelo has started breathing independently but faces infection complications, requiring additional medical interventions.

Rodas, who has taken on an active role in advocating for her mother, emphasizes that Agudelo’s situation reflects the love and concern surrounding her recovery. Her resolute pursuit of justice underscores the emotional toll inflicted not only by the act of violence but also by the ongoing trauma of seeing a loved one in such a debilitated state. The community continues to rally in support of Agudelo’s fight for recovery as legal proceedings against Jiraud unfold, reflecting both a personal battle for the family and a broader societal call for accountability in violent crimes. The case has reignited discussions on public safety and the urgent need for sustained support for victims of such heinous acts.

As the community watches closely, the implications of this case extend beyond the courtroom, serving as a tragic reminder of the fragility of safety in urban environments and the resilience of those affected by violent crime.