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The assault occurred on the Q53 bus in Woodhaven.
By Michael V. Cusenza
A Jamaica woman has been charged for her role in last month’s assault on a woman while riding on the Q53 bus near the intersection of Jamaica Avenue and Woodhaven Boulevard in Woodhaven, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Tuesday.
Jahnaiya Williams, 19, was arraigned Monday on charges of assault in the second and third degree as a hate crime, assault in the second and third degree, menacing in the third degree as a hate crime, aggravated harassment in the second degree and menacing.
According to video surveillance footage and information provided by the complainant, at approximately 6:30 p.m. on July 9, Williams, who was holding a shopping bag, and the two females with her—one who is a juvenile and being prosecuted in Family Court—allegedly approached the 57-year-old victim as she sat near the rear of the bus. Williams allegedly looked directly at victim saying, “I hate white people.” She also stated that she hates white people’s skin. As the bus passed a cemetery Williams said to the victim, “I am going to kill you, this is where I’m going to bury you.” Williams also allegedly removed a jar from her shopping bag and told the victim she would beat the victim with the object.
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All three alleged attackers have been arrested and charged.
As the bus came to a stop near the intersection of Jamaica Avenue and Woodhaven Boulevard, Williams and the juvenile both spat on the victim. Williams then allegedly hit the victim repeatedly in the head with the shopping bag containing the jar. Williams, along with at least one of her partners, allegedly punched the victim several times in her head and the trio then fled the bus together.
The victim was taken to a borough hospital for her injuries which included a deep laceration on the right side of her head requiring three staples.
“As alleged, the defendant, as well as two other apprehended individuals, carried out an unprovoked assault on a public transit rider simply because of the victim’s race,” DA Katz said. “I am committed to holding accountable those who perpetuate bias-motivated attacks on the residents of the most diverse county in the world.”
If convicted, Williams faces 3 1/2 to 15 years in prison.
