Woman Survives Terrifying Attack by Convicted Sex Offender in Nashville
In a harrowing incident following a concert at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, a 25-year-old woman narrowly escaped what police are calling an attempted murder by convicted sex offender Joequarius Williams. The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department reported that Williams, 29, followed the unnamed woman as she walked home from the November 5 event, stalking her from a distance before entering her apartment building and joining her in the elevator. What followed was a terrifying assault that has led to Williams’ arrest and multiple serious charges.
According to police statements, the situation escalated quickly once both individuals were inside the elevator. Williams allegedly grabbed the woman around her neck and threatened to kill her, causing her to lose consciousness temporarily from strangulation. When she regained awareness, she found her attacker on top of her, but managed to break free when the elevator doors opened. In her desperate escape, she was forced to leave behind her keys and cell phone, which Williams allegedly took. These items, later recovered outside the building, would prove crucial to solving the case when investigators analyzed fingerprints left on them, leading directly to Williams’ identification and subsequent arrest.
This attack is particularly disturbing given Williams’ criminal history. He was previously convicted of aggravated assault and attempted forcible rape stemming from an incident in August 2019 at a Glastonbury Road apartment complex, where his victim was a 27-year-old woman. Despite the serious nature of these crimes, Williams received only probation and was placed on Tennessee’s sex offender registry rather than serving significant prison time. Now, in light of this new attack, authorities have indicated that probation violation warrants are expected to be filed by the state, suggesting that his previous sentence may have been insufficient to protect the public from further harm.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about how the justice system handles violent offenders, particularly those with a history of sexual crimes. Williams’ release on probation after his previous conviction allowed him the freedom to allegedly attack another woman in strikingly similar circumstances. The Nashville Police Department’s swift work in processing evidence and making an arrest demonstrates effective law enforcement response, but questions remain about whether preventative measures could have been stronger. The victim’s quick thinking and ability to escape when the elevator doors opened potentially saved her life, showing remarkable presence of mind during an extremely traumatic situation.
For the survivor, the attack represents not just a physical assault but a profound violation of security in spaces where people should feel safe. Walking home from a concert and entering one’s own apartment building are everyday activities that should never involve fear for one’s life. The psychological impact of such an attack often extends far beyond the physical injuries, affecting victims’ sense of safety and autonomy for years to come. Community support and proper resources for survivors of violent crime remain essential components of recovery.
Williams currently remains in custody with bond set at $10.1 million, facing charges of attempted murder and robbery. The substantial bond amount reflects both the severity of the current charges and his history of similar violent offenses. As this case moves through the legal system, it serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers of insufficient sentencing for violent crimes and the importance of comprehensive approaches to preventing recidivism among offenders with histories of violence against women. The courage of the survivor in escaping her attacker and cooperating with police has been instrumental in removing a dangerous individual from the community, potentially preventing future attacks against other unsuspecting victims.
