An Indiana woman who attacked a college student because of her race will spend six years in federal prison after pleading guilty to a hate crime. Billie Davis, a 57-year-old from Bloomington, Indiana, admitted to targeting an 18-year-old Indiana University student of Chinese descent in a shocking and brutal incident earlier this year.
The attack happened on January 11, 2023, while both women were riding a Bloomington city bus. Davis, who was sitting behind the student, suddenly pulled out a folding knife and stabbed her in the head seven to ten times. The student, who was on her way to class, was caught completely off guard.
Authorities later revealed that Davis chose her victim because of her race. She used racial slurs and even referred to the student as “the enemy.” Thankfully, despite the severity of the attack, the student survived.
After pleading guilty in September, Davis was sentenced on Wednesday to six years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. While hate crimes can carry life sentences, the judge opted for a lesser punishment in this case.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers for the Southern District of Indiana. “No one should have to fear violence just because of who they are.”
Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, also emphasized the government’s dedication to fighting hate crimes.
“The Justice Department is committed to protecting every American from hate crimes by investigating and prosecuting those who commit such heinous acts,” she said.
This horrifying event has left many shaken, but it’s also a reminder of the importance of standing against hate in all its forms.
