A man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison after being convicted of following and assaulting a woman in her Soho apartment building, as the victim expressed her strength in court, stating, “You did not break me.”
Ellow Williams, 32, a former convict, showed no emotion while the victim boldly addressed him during the sentencing on Tuesday. She recounted the traumatic experience of the horrific attack that occurred in April 2024, where he followed the then-24-year-old woman into her building and assaulted her. Williams had pled guilty to the charges in July.
In a powerful statement, the young woman vowed to rise above the trauma inflicted by her attacker.
“I am not here to change your perspective or to instill guilt, as I believe that is futile,” she addressed Williams, who remained silent.
“This incident will transform into just one of numerous hurdles in my life – painful, yes, but it will not define me. You did not break me,” she continued, as her family watched proudly from the courtroom gallery.
“I am still here… but while I move forward, your life will stand still for the next 18 years. That is the fallout from your choices, and the repercussions of your actions extend beyond me.”
The court did not disclose the victim’s name, but she shared the impact of the attack on her life, explaining how her friends now instinctively check on her when strangers approach and feel a constant fear for her safety.
Her aspirations of attending medical school this fall were shattered due to the assault last year.
“That dream has been turned upside down. I can’t live far away or alone right now, not after what you did to me,” she told Williams.
“Nonetheless, that dream still exists, and I vow to become someone who heals others — the complete opposite of who you have chosen to be in this life.”
Williams, who has been arrested over 30 times and was on parole for robbery, confessed to first-degree rape charges for the assault.
“Don’t scream, or I’ll kill you; I have a gun,” he reportedly threatened her during the attack.
Despite initially denying the allegations, he ultimately admitted his guilt to Judge Sara Litman of the Manhattan Supreme Court.
In a surprising turn, the victim shared that she holds no hatred towards him and instead offered her hope for him.
“I hope that someday, when you regain your freedom, you’ll have enough humanity to refrain from causing such pain again because your actions don’t just harm an individual; they shatter the lives of those around them,” she conveyed.
Judge Litman commended the victim’s bravery and inspiring words right before sentencing Williams to 18 years in prison.
“I hope medical school remains part of your future, as we desperately need doctors who embody the compassion, intelligence, and strength that you have displayed today in this courtroom,” she told the tearful victim as she sat surrounded by loved ones.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg reaffirmed these sentiments in a statement.
“I hope the survivor continues to heal from this traumatic ordeal,” he said. “Every woman has the right to feel safe while traversing the streets of Manhattan.”
