A tragic incident unfolded in Manhattan as a woman, Ada Blake, faced a horrific attack that resulted in the loss of both her legs. The perpetrator, Christian Valdez, her ex-boyfriend, was sentenced to 18 years in prison for pushing her in front of an oncoming subway train in March 2024.
During the court proceedings, Ada Blake delivered a heartbreaking victim impact statement, expressing the profound impact of losing her legs. She mourned the sensations she used to experience, such as feeling the earth beneath her feet, the comfort of soft textures, and the flow of water between her toes. She described the attack as a moment where a part of her was “murdered” and expressed her longing for the life she lived before the tragic incident.
Christian Valdez had pleaded guilty to one count of attempted murder in the second degree. The attack occurred on the platform of the 2/3 train line at the Fulton Street station during an argument between Blake and Valdez. Valdez callously threw her in front of the oncoming train, leading to the amputation of both of Blake’s legs and other severe injuries.
Despite the devastating consequences of the attack, Valdez showed no remorse in court. He had removed his ankle monitoring bracelet just a day before the incident and was out on parole for a previous conviction of stabbing a woman and her 4-year-old daughter in 2020.
Ada Blake expressed her fear and trauma, stating that she would never feel safe or comforted riding the subway again. She highlighted the intersectional vulnerabilities she faces as an African American disabled female, further marginalized by the traumatic experience.
In sentencing Valdez to 18 years in prison with an additional five years of post-release supervision, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg emphasized the severity of the crime and the lasting impact on the victim. He hoped that the resolution of the case would bring some sense of justice to Ada Blake, who continues to endure physical and emotional trauma as a result of the attack.
The harrowing incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the need for accountability in cases of life-threatening acts of violence. Ada Blake’s resilience and courage in the face of such adversity are a testament to her strength and determination to seek justice and healing.
