As part of the defendant’s violent spree against his victim, he also killed Casper, the victim’s cat
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced that Joshua Lopez, 20, of New Rochelle, was sentenced to 8 years in prison for committing a brutal assault against a New Rochelle woman.
Westchester County Court Judge James McCarty provided the sentence Thursday, which further includes 15 years of post-release supervision. Additionally, Lopez must register as a sex offender. An order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim.
Lopez had pleaded guilty to attempted Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree, a class C violent felony, on June 2.
DA Cacace said: “This defendant’s shocking conduct exemplifies the horrors women face when they experience domestic violence. No element of their lives is spared by their abuser. This is why we must redouble our efforts to ensure domestic violence victims have the care and support they need to report their abusers. The victim in this case exhibited tremendous courage, and her bravery has now ensured that a violent abuser will be taken off the street.”
On May 3, 2024, Lopez sexually assaulted the victim through forcible compulsion at his New Rochelle home, committing the crime of attempted Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree. Late last year, state legislators repealed the offense of Criminal Sexual Act and reclassified this conduct as rape, though it was not retroactive.
Lopez is further accused of strangling the victim and then assaulting her with a metal cane, conduct that was covered by the guilty plea. This all occurred while the victim was pregnant.
Prior to this incident, Lopez had strangled the victim’s cat, Casper, to death.
In a prepared statement read aloud at sentencing, the victim said: “The fear you put into me is not easily erased. All I want is to live in peace. I want my son and I to be free from the shadow of your violence and abuse. I don’t want to be scared anymore or live in fear. It’s time for me to finally be free from all this as well.”
The investigation was conducted by the New Rochelle Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by Domestic Violence Bureau Chief Joyce Miller and Assistant District Attorney Arlene Ramezanzadeh.
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Casper is pictured on June 17, 2023.
