Arrest Made in Acid Attack on New York College Student
A shocking case is unfolding in Nassau County, New York, where a 31-year-old man, Shaquille Coke, has been arraigned on serious charges related to a brutal acid attack that left a 21-year-old woman severely injured. The incident is characterized by allegations of premeditated violence stemming from the suspect’s jealousy over a ended relationship.
Details of the Attack
On March 17, 2021, Nafiah Ikram, who was a student at Hofstra University, suffered extensive burns after being assaulted outside her Elmont home. According to law enforcement, she was returning home with her mother when an accomplice, 29-year-old Terrell Campbell, wearing a mask and gloves, approached and threw a cup filled with 70% sulfuric acid at her.
The corrosive liquid caused second- and third-degree burns across her face, shoulders, and arms, and severely affected her eyesight and ability to consume food and drink. Following the attack, she was rushed to the hospital, where she underwent emergency treatment.
Nafiah’s father later emphasized the calculated nature of the attack, indicating that it was not a random act of violence but rather a planned ambush intended to harm his daughter. He described her as frightened and traumatized by the incident.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Coke, who was arrested in Brooklyn, has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including first-degree assault. He is accused of conspiring with Campbell in coordinating the attack and is currently being held without bail. The district attorney, Anne Donnelly, describes Coke as a “jealous, possessive, and jilted former boyfriend.” Prosecutors allege that he had engaged in a pattern of harassment against Ikram prior to the attack, including creating fake accounts to mock her injuries and send vulgar messages.
In September 2022, Terrell Campbell was also charged in connection with the assault and has pleaded not guilty. Both men face potential sentences of up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
The case has been particularly complex and drawn out, with investigators spending significant time collecting video evidence, analyzing cellphone data, and conducting interviews. Their efforts culminated in the recent arrests, which have brought renewed attention to the issue of domestic violence and the severe consequences of such acts.
Coke’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 20, 2026, as the community watches closely, seeking justice for Ikram.
Source reference: Full report
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