Billie Davis, a woman accused of stabbing an Asian American student at Indiana University Bloomington because she “noticed” the victim was Chinese, has pleaded guilty to a federal hate crime charge. The incident took place on a city transit bus, where Davis repeatedly stabbed the 18-year-old student in the head, stating that she did it so that there would be “one less enemy.” Davis faces a maximum of six years in prison and will be required to serve probation and pay restitution to the victim. Her attorneys cited her mental illness as a factor in the plea agreement, noting that she is now properly medicated and has expressed remorse for her actions.
The victim, identified as Z.F., sustained multiple stab wounds to her head, including cuts up to 1.75 cm deep and a hematoma as a result of the attack. Following the incident, Asian American students at the university expressed feeling shaken and unsupported. The area has a history of race-related violence against Asian students, with a white supremacist murdering a doctoral student in 1999. Some have criticized the lack of support for Asian American students in the aftermath of the attack, with university officials emphasizing their commitment to providing support to the victim, their family, and the broader student body.
Davis’ guilty plea follows a federal grand jury indictment and a charge under the Hate Crime Act. The plea agreement was reached through negotiations with her attorneys, who highlighted her mental health issues as a mitigating factor. Davis will be sentenced in December, with the possibility of serving up to six years in prison. The incident, which left the victim with serious injuries, has raised concerns about anti-Asian hate and the need for greater support for marginalized communities on campus.
The attack on the Asian American student occurred without any prior interaction between Davis and the victim, as shown by footage from the bus where the incident took place. After stabbing the student, Davis left the bus while making racially charged remarks to other passengers. Police arrested her shortly afterward, during which she made derogatory comments about the victim. The plea agreement noted that Davis experienced a moment of snapping before the attack, leading to her violent actions.
The plea deal also requires Davis to pay restitution to the victim and serve probation after her prison sentence. Her attorneys acknowledged her remorse for the pain caused to the victim and her family. The incident has prompted discussions about race-related violence and discrimination against Asian Americans in the United States. University officials have committed to supporting the victim and addressing the needs of Asian American students on campus in the aftermath of the attack. The case has highlighted the impact of hate crimes on individuals and communities, emphasizing the importance of addressing underlying issues such as mental illness and racism.
