Man Sentenced to 35 Years for Brutal Attack and Arson

An Illinois man, Timothy Gregory, aged 43, has been handed a 35-year prison sentence for a horrific 2017 incident involving the bludgeoning of his brother's girlfriend with a hammer, sexual assault, and setting their home on fire.

Guilty Plea and Sentencing

Timothy Gregory entered a guilty plea for charges of attempted murder, aggravated criminal sexual assault, and aggravated arson. Will County Circuit Judge Amy Bertani-Tomczak presided over the case, sentencing Gregory to 35 years behind bars and a mandatory three-year supervised release. Importantly, a finding of guilty but mentally ill was recorded, impacting the sentence execution minimally. Gregory will serve 85 percent of his term and will receive credit for 2,364 days served.

Gruesome Events Unfold

The horrifying incident unfolded on March 25, 2017, when Gregory visited his brother's home on Infantry Drive in Joliet. Inside the residence, he brutally attacked his brother's girlfriend, repeatedly striking her on the head with a hammer. Subsequently, he sexually assaulted her while she remained unconscious in the living room.

A Desperate Escape

Upon regaining consciousness, the victim found herself in grave danger, as Gregory closed in on her. Desperate to escape, she fled to the bathroom, barricading herself behind a locked door. However, her safety was short-lived as she passed out once more.

A Terrifying Inferno

Waking again, she was confronted with smoke seeping under the bathroom door. Panic-stricken, she opened the door to witness the house ablaze, with Gregory ominously positioned just beyond the bathroom entrance. Attempting to prevent her escape, Gregory tried to push her back inside but was thwarted. She made a daring dash for the front door, ultimately receiving aid from a concerned bystander who noticed her injuries and disorientation.

Surviving the Horror

The victim was promptly transported to the hospital, where she was induced into a medically induced coma for six days and underwent multiple surgeries. Meanwhile, the house sustained extensive damage.

No Undoing the Horror

Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow emphasized the gravity of Gregory's actions, describing them as "evil and sickening conduct" that will leave a lasting impact on the courageous victim. Though no sentence can erase the trauma she endured, Gregory will spend years behind bars, ensuring he cannot inflict such savagery on another person and bearing the consequences for his inhumane actions.