Ada Blake, the woman who was pushed in front of a subway train in Manhattan, shared her heartbreaking experience in court, where she expressed her grief over losing both of her legs.
Blake made an emotional victim’s impact statement, reflecting on the sensations she misses since her legs were amputated. This followed the sentencing of Christian Valdez, 36, who received an 18-year prison term for the assault.
Speaking from a power chair at the Manhattan Supreme Court, Blake described how, on that tragic day, “My repetition was murdered.” She recalled the familiar sensations of walking, saying, “I could feel the Earth under her feet.” It’s a loss she deeply mourns.
Valdez pleaded guilty to attempted murder in June, marking the second time he faced such charges.
At the time of the attack in March 2024, Blake was just 29 and was in a relationship with Valdez. They were at the Fulton Street Station discussing the train platform when he violently pushed her.
Describing that moment, Blake said, “He came near me and threw me badly into the path of true mistrust. My body came into contact with filth and screaming steel.” The aftermath left her with severe injuries, leading to the amputation of both legs, along with other serious health issues.
After the attack, Valdez fled to New Jersey but returned a few hours later and was arrested in Brooklyn. Reports indicate he had previously cut off an ankle monitor the day before the incident.
Valdez was on parole for a past conviction in which he stabbed a woman and her young daughter.
Blake expressed that she would “never feel safety or comfort” on the subway again, highlighting the profound emotional impact the assault has had on her as an African-American woman with disabilities.
In addition to his prison sentence, Valdez will face five years of supervised release and a full protection order has been issued for Blake.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg commented on the case, emphasizing that Blake seeks justice through the ruling. He stated, “Christian Valdez will serve in prison for nearly 20 years after being convicted of committing life-threatening domestic violence in our transportation system.” Bragg noted the significant physical and emotional repercussions Blake endures but expressed hope that this resolution brings her some measure of justice.
