A rapist reportedly taunted his victim as he beat and choked her, possibly over the course of several hours.
"Ha-ha, I just gave you HIV," the rapist said, according to an account the victim's sister relayed to NBC Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Police released surveillance video of the suspect just before the attack on the night of Aug. 29.
The victim had just dropped her friend off at a bus stop and was walking home when the attacker came up behind her and started punching her before pushing her into an alley, according to police.
“The 24-year-old victim sustained severe head and facial injuries to the point of almost being unrecognizable,” police Special Victims Unit Capt. John Darby said.
The victim was choked until she was unconscious and spent several days recovering from the attack, WPVI reports. NBC reported that she was tested for HIV but the results weren't released.
Neighbors near the area where the rape took place said residents feel unsafe.
"I have three girls of my own and a niece who lives with me," Serena Whiten told WPVI. "I am always afraid of letting my girls out of the house. Always."
So far, police have not seen a pattern that could connect this attack with other crimes, Darby said, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
The Mayor's Office is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to a conviction in the case.
To submit a tip by phone call 215-686-TIPS (8477) or text a tip to PPD TIP or 773847.
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