In July 2013, a New Jersey mom, Donna Ongsiako, faced a harrowing ordeal when she was stabbed in her own home by a stranger allegedly under the influence of mushrooms. The attacker, then-16-year-old Brennan Doyle, confronted Ongsiako as she opened her door to let her cat inside in Colts Neck, New Jersey.
Describing the attack, Ongsiako recalled how she tried to shut the door on Doyle, who then forced his way in and proceeded to slash her cheek and neck. Despite her attempts to defend herself, Ongsiako sustained multiple stab wounds, including one to her chest after Doyle demanded her belongings.
Following the attack, Ongsiako managed to call 911 before losing consciousness, providing crucial information that led to Doyle's eventual arrest. Despite Doyle's affluent background and lack of prior criminal history, evidence linking him to the crime surfaced, including DNA found in a stolen vehicle.
During his trial, Doyle admitted to consuming hallucinogenic mushrooms before the incident, attributing his actions to a loss of touch with reality. He expressed remorse for the pain he caused Ongsiako and was ultimately sentenced to 15 years in prison, with a requirement to serve 85% of the term before parole eligibility.
In a statement from prison, Doyle extended a heartfelt apology to his victim, acknowledging the irreversible impact of his actions and expressing a commitment to personal growth and accountability.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of drug-induced behavior and the resilience of survivors like Ongsiako, who bravely navigated the aftermath of a traumatic experience.
