Sentencing in Soho Rape Case

A man who followed and assaulted a woman in her Soho apartment has been sentenced to 18 years in prison. This decision was made by a judge on Tuesday, while the victim, standing strong, declared in a Manhattan courtroom, “You’re not done with me.”

Elro Williams, a 32-year-old ex-convict, displayed no emotion as his victim addressed him. She recounted the turmoil brought on by the brutal incident that occurred in April 2024, where he followed a 24-year-old woman into a building, strangled her, and assaulted her. Williams had pleaded guilty in July.

In a poignant statement, the young woman emphasized her determination to confront rapists.

“I’m not here to change you; I don’t expect you to feel guilty. That would be a waste,” she stated, as Williams remained silent.

“For me, this represents just one of many hurdles in life. Yes, it’s painful, but it doesn’t define who I am. You didn’t finish me,” she continued, with her family watching proudly from the gallery.

“I’m still here… but while I move forward, your life is on hold for the next 18 years. This is the result of your choices, and your actions impact far beyond just me.”

The unnamed victim expressed how her friends are now overly cautious, keeping close to her and anxiously checking if she’s alright with every stranger that approaches.

She shared that her lifelong ambition of going to medical school has been derailed since the assault last year, even though she intended to start this fall.

“Instead, that dream has been turned upside down. Living alone or far away is not an option now, not after what you’ve done,” she told him directly.

“But my dream is still alive, and I will be the one to heal others, unlike you.”

Williams, who has a lengthy criminal history with at least 30 arrests, attacked the woman while on parole for robbery.

Reports indicated that he threatened, “Don’t scream or I’ll kill you, I have a gun,” during the assault.

Though he initially denied the charges, Williams admitted his guilt in front of Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Sarah Littman.

Despite his heinous actions, the victim stated she harbors no hatred towards him, even wishing him well.

“I hope that when you are free again, you possess the humanity to avoid inflicting this pain on others; your actions not only hurt individuals but shattered the lives of those around you,” she remarked.

Before sentencing Williams, Judge Littman commended the victim for her “incredible bravery and courage.”

She expressed hope that medical school remains in the woman’s future, highlighting the need for compassionate and intelligent doctors.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg shared these sentiments, stating he hopes survivors find a way to heal from such terrible experiences.

“All women should feel safe while walking the streets of Manhattan,” he concluded.