In July 2013, Donna Ongsiako was attacked in her own home in New Jersey by a stranger named Brennan Doyle who was allegedly high on mushrooms. Doyle attempted to break into Ongsiako’s home by cutting her screen door with a knife, and when she opened the door, he forced his way in and attacked her, slashing her cheek and neck. Despite Ongsiako’s attempts to defend herself, Doyle continued to stab her, eventually plunging a knife into her chest and fleeing the scene. Ongsiako managed to call 911 before losing consciousness and was rushed to the hospital, where she underwent seven hours of surgery after losing three quarters of her blood and narrowly escaping a fatal wound to her heart.
Doyle was not arrested until several months after the attack, when DNA evidence linked him to the crime. Police were able to identify Doyle as the suspect after a Taco Bell employee provided a description that matched his appearance and his abandoned car was found nearby. Despite coming from an affluent home and being a student athlete, Doyle had a history of domestic disputes and altercations with his family, including a recent incident where police confiscated a knife from him. Doyle admitted to police that he had taken hallucinogenic mushrooms before the attack, which caused him to lose touch with reality.
During his 2015 trial, Doyle pleaded guilty to charges of attempted murder and carjacking and was sentenced to 15 years in prison. He expressed remorse for his actions and the impact they had on Ongsiako’s life, acknowledging that she did not deserve to suffer because of his choices. Doyle’s family posted his bail, and he is required to serve 85 percent of his sentence before being eligible for parole. In a statement from prison, Doyle apologized to Ongsiako for the pain and suffering he caused her, recognizing that he was solely responsible for the violence he inflicted.
The brutal attack left Ongsiako with physical and emotional scars, but she has shown resilience in the face of trauma. Despite the harrowing ordeal, she was able to provide authorities with a description of her attacker and seek help before losing consciousness. Ongsiako’s strength and determination to survive the attack have been commended by those around her, and she continues to recover from the injuries she sustained. The incident serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of drug use and the devastating consequences it can have on individuals and their victims.
The attack on Ongsiako deeply impacted her and her daughter, who she was determined to protect from the horror she experienced. Ongsiako’s ability to remain calm in the face of danger and seek help ultimately saved her life and helped authorities apprehend her attacker. While the incident has left lasting scars, both physical and emotional, Ongsiako’s courage and resilience have been a source of inspiration to others. The incident highlights the importance of vigilance and preparedness in the face of unexpected threats and the enduring strength of survivors in overcoming adversity.
