A woman confronted her attacker in court Friday, nearly 20 years after she was kidnapped, raped, and nearly killed by transit worker Gregory Martin. Martin, 56, was sentenced to life in prison plus 60 consecutive years.
"I don't really understand why you did what you did, and I do not understand in your heart what makes you have a heart so dark," the victim told Martin. "You are sick, but I'm not saying that in a way to humiliate you or make you feel guilt; it's because you are really sick from inside your heart and you need light."
Investigators said Martin attacked the then-18-year-old pregnant woman in July 2009 after she was spotted at a bus stop. He offered her a ride, then raped and tortured her, nearly killing her before dumping her behind an apartment complex. Prosecutors described the crimes as "cold, calculated and premeditated" and Martin as "a conscienceless individual."
The judge pronounced the total sentence as life plus 60 years, with the remaining sentence running concurrent to counts one and two. Following the sentencing, the victim stated, "I forgive you deeply in me I do, and I was praying to God for you."
DNA evidence also linked Martin to the August 2000 death of 13-year-old Cynteria Phillips, whom he allegedly raped and murdered. A status hearing for that capital murder case is scheduled for August, with proceedings expected to begin in early 2027.
In a separate case, an 83-year-old Brooklyn woman confronted her suspected rapist in court in 2016. Asa Robert, then 18, had broken into her home in July 2015, placed a knife to her neck, and sexually assaulted her before robbing her. Robert was arrested in July 2015 on charges including rape, robbery, assault, burglary, predatory sexual assault, and unlawful imprisonment. The victim, who uses a wheelchair, recounted how Robert ambushed her as she swept her front yard.