Woman Sexually Assaulted at Gunpoint by Home Invader in SoHo, Suspect Arrested

A 23-year-old woman was sexually assaulted at gunpoint by a home invader in her apartment building in New York City's SoHo neighborhood early Sunday morning. The suspect, 30-year-old Ellow Williams, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with rape, robbery, strangulation, stalking, burglary, sex abuse, coercion, and criminal possession of a firearm.

According to the NYPD, Williams, who was on parole for a prior robbery conviction, followed the victim into her building around 4:10 a.m. on April 21, 2024. Surveillance footage shows the suspect, wearing a distinctive black hoodie with red lettering, dark pants, and orange sneakers, hiding behind a parked car before confronting the woman on the second-floor stairwell. Williams allegedly placed the victim in a chokehold and threatened, "If you scream, I'll shoot you," before sexually assaulting her and stealing $40 from her wallet.

The victim was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment and evaluation. Her phone and wallet were later found dropped in the building's hallway. The incident took place in a residential building where the estimated monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $3,800.

Why this matters: This shocking crime highlights the ongoing issue of sexual violence against women and the need for increased public safety measures in New York City. It also raises concerns about the parole system, as the suspect was released from prison just one month prior to the attack despite his extensive criminal history.

Williams has a lengthy criminal record, with at least 30 prior arrests dating back to 2010 on charges including assault, grand larceny, burglary, and criminal possession of a weapon. He was released on parole in March 2023 after serving nearly two years in prison for robbery. The NYPD man, arrested Williams on Tuesday while he was reporting to his parole officer on the Lower East Side.

So far this year, the NYPD has investigated 454 incidents of rape, compared to 451 incidents at the same time last year. Authorities have appealed to the public for assistance in identifying and locating any additional suspects or witnesses related to this case. The investigation remains ongoing as detectives gather more evidence and information about the arrested, allegedly, woman attack.

Key Takeaways

• 23-year-old woman sexually assaulted at gunpoint in NYC's SoHo.
• Suspect Ellow Williams, 30, arrested and charged with multiple crimes.
• Williams was on parole for prior robbery conviction when attack occurred.
• NYPD investigating 454 rape incidents so far this year, up from 451 in 2022.
• Authorities appeal for public assistance in identifying any additional suspects or witnesses.