Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Brutal Carjacking and Assault on Chinatown Chef
In a harrowing case that shocked the Chinatown community in 2022, Termaine Patterson, 22, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the vicious carjacking and assault of Jin Lew, a well-known chef in the area. The attack, which took place on April 7, 2022, left Lew with permanent injuries and sparked outrage and concern among residents.
The incident unfolded when Patterson and an accomplice had already carjacked another driver earlier in the day. They then targeted Lew, following his car to the 2500 block of South Princeton Avenue. Once there, they forced Lew out of his vehicle and proceeded to beat him mercilessly, leaving him unconscious on the street. A passerby later found Lew and he was rushed to the hospital, where he remained unidentified for several days and spent a month in a coma. Doctors indicated that the injuries sustained in the attack were so severe that Lew would require round-the-clock care for the rest of his life.
During the assault, Patterson not only physically harmed Lew but also went through his pockets, stole his keys, and drove off in the chef’s car. He further used Lew’s credit card at a gas station and a mall on the same day, leaving a trail of evidence that ultimately led to his arrest.
After opting for a bench trial, Patterson was found guilty on 10 of the 11 charges he faced, with the judge acquitting him of attempted murder. Judge Timothy Joyce handed down a 20-year prison sentence following a series of post-trial hearings.
It was revealed during the sentencing hearing that Patterson was already awaiting trial on a stolen motor vehicle charge at the time of the attack on Lew. Prosecutors decided to drop that case, along with a separate carjacking charge related to the earlier incident, in light of the severity of the current charges against him.
The community continues to rally around Jin Lew, offering support and solidarity as he navigates the long road to recovery. The sentencing of Termaine Patterson brings some closure to a traumatic chapter in Chinatown’s history, but serves as a stark reminder of the violence and danger that can lurk in unexpected places.
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