Introduction to the Case
Nina Rothschild, 60, stood in Queens court on Thursday and stared down the man convicted of beating her in the head some 13 times with a hammer and asked one question: “Why me?”
William Blount, 60, was found guilty of following Rothschild down the steps of the Queens Plaza subway station on February 24, 2022, before kicking her and then brutally bashing her skull with a hammer some 13 times before making off with her bag.
The Attack and Its Aftermath
Nina Rothschild, 60, stood in Queens court on Thursday and stared down the man convicted of beating her in the head some 13 times with a hammer and asked one question: “Why me?” William Blount, also 60, was found guilty of following Rothschild down the steps of the Queens Plaza subway station on Feb. 24, 2022, before kicking her and then brutally bashing her skull with a hammer some 13 times before making off with her bag. The assaults were caught on surveillance video. Police found her covered in blood. She underwent emergency surgery for multiple skull fractures, which required the removal of portions of her skull; it was replaced with titanium mesh.
Sentencing and Reaction
Blount, who appeared before Judge John Zoll for sentencing, sat in handcuffs over a white shirt and brown tie. He sat expressionless and did not offer any signs of remorse for the attack that has left Rothschild refusing to take the subway when leaving work. “He didn’t look at me, he didn’t engage with me. He made no attempt at eye contact or anything,” Rothschild said. During the proceedings, ADA Lauren Reilly described Blount as a persistent, violent felon who has served time behind bars in the 1980s and 1990s for other robberies, including outside of New York.
The Defense and Judge’s Decision
Blount’s defense attorney Garnett Sullivan argued that his client has undergone severe rehabilitation and had aspirations of becoming a fashion designer, even wearing homemade bowties to court during his trial. Judge Zoll did not seem moved by this argument, adding that it is a miracle that Rothschild did not lose her life during the attack. “That a human being could act like this toward another human being with such brutality and such depravity, that’s what I saw on the tape, and it only got worse,” Judge Zoll told the courtroom. Judge Zoll declared that he had never, during his career, given a defendant the maximum sentence, but felt as though it was appropriate in this case. Blount was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.
Conclusion
The sentencing of William Blount to 25 years to life for the brutal hammer attack on Nina Rothschild brings a sense of justice and relief to the victim and the community. The attack was a horrific example of violence in public spaces, and the severe sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime. As Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz stated, this sentence holds Blount accountable for his actions and serves as a deterrent to others who would consider committing similar crimes.
FAQs
- Q: What was the nature of the attack on Nina Rothschild?
A: Nina Rothschild was attacked with a hammer by William Blount, who followed her down the steps of the Queens Plaza subway station, kicked her, and then hit her in the head approximately 13 times before stealing her bag. - Q: What were the injuries sustained by Nina Rothschild?
A: Rothschild suffered multiple skull fractures, requiring emergency surgery and the replacement of parts of her skull with titanium mesh. - Q: What was the sentence given to William Blount?
A: William Blount was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the attack. - Q: How did the court and authorities react to the sentencing?
A: The court and authorities, including Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, welcomed the sentence as a strong message against violent crime and a reflection of the severity of Blount’s actions.
