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In a significant development from Nassau County, New York, authorities have made an arrest in a chilling case that has haunted the community for over two years. A young woman, a Hofstra University student, was viciously attacked with acid, leaving her with lasting physical and emotional scars.
The incident occurred on March 17, 2021, when Nafiah Ikram, then just 21 years old, was ambushed in her own driveway in Elmont. A hooded assailant approached her from behind, dousing her with acid before fleeing the scene in a vehicle. The attack left Ikram with severe injuries, impacting her vision and leaving permanent scarring on her face. The emotional trauma of that day continues to affect her life profoundly.
Now, more than two years later, justice seems within reach as 29-year-old Terrell Campbell has been apprehended. He faces charges of assault, criminal possession of a weapon, and unlawfully possessing noxious material. This arrest brings hope for closure and justice, not only for Ikram but also for the community still reeling from the shock of such a brutal crime.
Ikram suffered severe injuries in the attack, and still struggles with poor vision and scarring on her face. She has also suffered emotional trauma since the attack.
On Tuesday, 29-year-old Terrell Campbell was charged with assault, criminal possession of a weapon and unlawfully possessing noxious material.
He pleaded not guilty during his initial arraignment on Tuesday and was held without bail.
Campbell, a flower delivery worker and aspiring rapper, lives in Brooklyn with his mother.
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Prosecutors say he was finally identified with the help of a tipster – and ultimately linked to a red Nissan Altima near the scene.
“We reviewed Campbell’s Internet search history in the minutes minutes following the 2021 attack, we found searches asking, ‘how do I remove sulfuric acid from my car’s fabric?’” District Attorney Anne Donnelly said. “And two years after he ambushed Nafiah and left her screaming in pain on her front lawn, he actually produced and uploaded a music video to YouTube, boasting about throwing acid in a woman’s face, as unbelievable as it may seem.”
As for Ikram, she was in the courtroom on Tuesday and has been left with years of unanswered questions.
“I’m glad in the sense that even though this is the beginning of a different chapter in my life, I’m glad that I’ve closed the chapter on the uncertainty and the safety and looking over my shoulder,” she said.
Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder would not discuss the tip that identified the suspect but said someone will get the $50,000 reward.
Donnelly declined to comment on a motive, but said it is “still being investigated.”
“At the end of it, something still doesn’t make sense,” Ikram said.
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