BROOKLYN, NY — In a case that has shocked the community, Rodlin Gravesande, a 34-year-old former resident of Brownsville, Brooklyn, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for a brutal acid attack that left a young woman with severe injuries. Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced the sentencing, which took place in the Brooklyn Supreme Court under Justice Joanne Quinones.
The attack occurred in the early hours of December 2, 2022, inside the Winthrop Street Station in Prospect Lefferts Gardens. According to trial evidence, the incident began when Gravesande became disruptive on a southbound 2 train, threatening passengers and eventually focusing her aggression on the 21-year-old victim, who was on her way to work at Kings County Hospital.
After both women exited the train, the confrontation escalated on the platform. Gravesande punched the victim in the head, followed her towards the stairs, and then threw sulfuric acid in her face, causing second- and third-degree burns to the left side of her face and scarring that required extensive medical treatment including reconstructive surgery and skin grafts.
Gravesande fled to Atlanta, Georgia, following the attack but was later extradited back to Brooklyn in January 2023. She was convicted of first- and second-degree assault on May 14, 2024, following a jury trial.
District Attorney Gonzalez emphasized the attack’s unprovoked nature and its impact on the victim’s life, stating, “Today’s sentence holds this defendant accountable for a frightening and random attack on an innocent woman. Brooklyn residents deserve to feel safe when taking the subway and those who jeopardize their safety will be held accountable.”
The sentencing brings some closure to the victim and the community, reinforcing the message that such violent acts have severe consequences.
