Justice Served: Schenectady Man Gets 30 Years for Violent Crime Spree!
A Schenectady man has pled guilty to a series of violent crimes, resulting in a 30-year prison sentence. The 21-year-old, identified as Dakiem Demonia, also known as “Knox,” admitted guilt to first-degree rape, attempted rape, and second-degree arson in connection to separate incidents that occurred during a weeklong crime spree in May 2024.
Demonia will serve three consecutive 10-year prison terms for each charge. Following his release, he will spend 20 years on parole and must register as a sex offender for life. The court also issued full protection orders for his victims, providing the maximum legal safeguards.
The first incident occurred on May 27, 2024, when Demonia invited a woman he met on social media to his Schenectady apartment. After she arrived, he threatened her with a knife and attempted to force her into sexual acts. The woman fought back, sustaining a cut on her arm, and managed to escape.
She ran to a nearby street, where bystanders called the police. Security footage from the apartment corroborated her account, but Demonia had fled the scene before officers arrived.
On May 29, just two days later, Demonia set fire to his apartment in an apparent act of retaliation over eviction proceedings. The blaze forced other residents to evacuate their units in the middle of the night. The fire, which caused significant smoke damage, displaced several families from the multi-unit building. Demonia was identified as the perpetrator through surveillance footage but evaded capture.
The most severe incident took place on May 31 in Schenectady’s Central Park. Demonia met his victim the previous day and convinced her to drive him to the park. Once there, he pulled a knife, demanded sexual acts, and assaulted her when she tried to flee. After the attack, he stole her purse and fled. The victim managed to find help from a bystander who contacted the police.
According to the source, Demonia’s crime spree ended on June 1, 2024, when officers spotted him walking in Schenectady. He attempted to flee, leading to a chase that ended when a police canine subdued him.
The case concluded with Demonia pleading guilty to all charges. Sentencing is scheduled for February 11, 2025, before Judge Matthew J. Sypniewski in Schenectady County Court.
Authorities have praised the quick actions of victims and bystanders who helped ensure justice for the victims and safety for the community.
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