Westchester Man Who Sexually Assaulted Pregnant Victim, Strangled Her, Hit Her With Cane, Gets Prison

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — A case that shocked veteran law enforcement officials has reached its conclusion in a Westchester courtroom.

Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced that 20-year-old Joshua Lopez, of New Rochelle, was sentenced on Thursday to 8 years in prison for brutally assaulting a New Rochelle woman, to be followed by 15 years of post-release supervision.

Lopez pleaded guilty to felony first-degree attempted criminal sexual act on June 2.

In addition, Lopez must register as a sex offender. An order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim.

"This defendant's shocking conduct exemplifies the horrors women face when they experience domestic violence," Cacace said. "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."

According to court filings, on May 3, 2024, Lopez sexually assaulted the victim through forcible compulsion at his New Rochelle home, committing the crime of first-degree attempted criminal sexual act. In 2024, New York state legislators repealed the offense of criminal sexual act and reclassified this conduct as rape, though it was not retroactive.

Lopez was also accused of strangling the victim and then assaulting her with a metal cane, which the DA said was covered by the guilty plea. These events all took place while the victim was pregnant.

In addition, Lopez had previously strangled the victim's cat, named Casper, to death.

In a prepared statement read aloud during 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, and the case was prosecuted by Domestic Violence Bureau Chief Joyce Miller.