SoHo rape attacker sentenced to 18 years; victim responds, “You did not end me.”

A recent sexual assault case in Manhattan underscores the harrowing reality many face when it comes to personal safety in urban environments. In an incident that occurred on April 21, 2024, Ellow Williams, a 30-year-old man, was sentenced to 18 years in state prison for the first-degree rape of a 23-year-old woman outside her SoHo apartment. The sentencing took place in New York State Supreme Court on Tuesday following Williams’ guilty plea on July 28.

The victim bravely addressed her attacker in court, asserting that the assault would not define her future. She expressed her determination to continue building a life she is proud of, highlighting how her existence has been irrevocably altered by the violent act. Friends of the victim now take extra precautions to ensure her safety, demonstrating a disturbing shift in her daily life.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg conveyed the seriousness of the offense, stating that every woman has a right to feel safe in their surroundings. He emphasized that Williams’ lengthy prison sentence is a necessary response to the brutal nature of the crime. The office is committed to holding violent offenders accountable in an effort to safeguard the community.

Details of the attack reveal a calculated approach by Williams. According to police reports, he concealed himself behind a parked car as the victim exited a cab. Once the woman entered her building and began to close the door, Williams, donning a mask, forced his way inside. He threatened her life, stating, “If you scream, I’ll shoot you,” as he choked her into unconsciousness multiple times during the assault. After stealing from her, he fled the scene, leaving her to seek medical assistance later at a local hospital.

Williams has a criminal history that includes a robbery conviction, for which he served nearly two years before being released on parole in March 2023. His arrest record contains five prior incidents within New York City, indicating a pattern of violent behavior.

In her emotive statement in court, the victim expressed that Williams’ incarceration provides her with comfort, closure, and a sense of justice, as he will be unable to inflict harm on others during his sentence. As the legal proceedings conclude, this case serves as a reminder of the critical need for ongoing discussions around public safety and the protection of individuals against violence in urban settings.