Immigrant Sentenced for Serial Rape
An immigrant has been sentenced to 291 years in prison after being found guilty of raping seven women whom he met on a Muslim dating platform.
Yahya Marie, 30, was sentenced by St. Louis County Circuit Court Judge Ellen Rivaldo to spend life in the Missouri Department of Corrections.
Marie displayed no remorse throughout the proceedings and continued to assert that he was innocent, claiming that the incidents were fabricated.
Prosecutors revealed that Marie used the alias “John” to entice women to an apartment in Ballwin, where the assaults took place. These crimes began in February 2023 and persisted for two years until he was arrested in February 2025.
Seven women testified at the trial, with two present during the sentencing hearing. One woman recounted how Marie forced his way into her apartment, and then later assaulted her again. Another woman described being held captive for seven hours while being forced to perform various sexual acts.
Another victim, who was Muslim, testified that he removed her hijab without her consent and claimed she was his wife, threatening her with damnation if she did not comply with his demands. “I was confused,” she stated, reflecting on the surreal circumstances. She ultimately endured a third assault in a desperate attempt to gain control over the situation.
The jury recommended a sentence of 319 years, but the judge opted for a slightly shorter term. St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Melissa Price-Smith noted, “I’ve been here 19 years and I’ve never seen a verdict like this,” following the sentencing.
Marie, originally from Finland and a naturalized U.S. citizen, was studying at Logan College of Chiropractic when he was apprehended.
One of the survivors expressed how vital it was for her to confront Marie and achieve closure. “These women are no longer victims of Yahya Marie or anyone else. Justice has been served,” Price-Smith added, commending the bravery of the victims.
Marie’s attorney stated that he remains committed to appealing the conviction, maintaining his claim of innocence.
