PlusLife in Prison for Torturer of Columbia StudentLife in Prison for Torturer of Columbia StudentThe Associated PressAn ex-convict was sentenced to life in prison Thursday for the 19-hour rape and torture of a Columbia University graduate student. Robert Williams was convicted last month of attempted murder, rape, kidnapping and arson. (July 24)[Notes:ANCHOR VOICE] The man convicted of raping and torturing a Columbia University student will spend the rest of his life behind bars.On Thursday a New York state supreme court judge sentenced Robert Williams to 422 years in prison.A jury found him guilty of several charges ranging from arson to attempted murder last month.In the spring of 2007...Williams forced his way into the graduate student's apartment and tortured her for 19 hours straight.He gagged her with duct tape...burned her with boiling water...and ordered her to gouge her own eyes out with a pair of scissors-- all before setting her apartment on fire.She escaped by using the flames to burn through some of her restraints.Through it all...the victim managed to memorize virtually every distinguishing feature of her attacker including his scars and gold tooth.She identified Williams as the man who violated her from the witness stand. An attorney for Williams has argued that his client is mentally ill and needs psychiatric help. The defense is planning an appeal. Author: AssociatedPress Keywords: graduate student torture prison torturer columbia Added: July 24, 2008
