In July 2013, a New Jersey mom named Donna Ongsiako was stabbed in her own home by a stranger who was allegedly high on mushrooms. The attacker, 16-year-old Brennan Doyle, tried to break in through her screen door with a knife. Ongsiako attempted to shut the door, but Doyle pushed his way in and began attacking her. He slashed her cheek and neck, and then demanded her purse, car keys, and a lighter. Despite her efforts to fight back, Doyle stabbed her in the chest, causing her to lose consciousness. Ongsiako managed to call 911 before passing out, fearing that her daughter would find her dead.
Ongsiako was rushed to the hospital, where she underwent seven hours of surgery. She lost a significant amount of blood, and doctors informed her that the knife had narrowly missed her heart. Police received a call from a Taco Bell about a man matching the description Ongsiako provided, walking through the drive-thru with a knife. Her abandoned car was found nearby, leading authorities to connect the two incidents. Doyle was eventually arrested months later after DNA evidence linked him to the crime. Despite coming from an affluent family and being involved in sports, Doyle had a history of domestic disputes and violent behavior.
After his arrest, Doyle admitted to taking hallucinogenic mushrooms before the attack, claiming that he lost touch with reality. He was initially charged with attempted murder and other offenses, pleading not guilty at first. Following a trial in 2015, Doyle was sentenced to 15 years in prison, with a requirement to serve 85% of the sentence before being eligible for parole. In a statement from prison to “48 Hours,” Doyle expressed remorse for his actions and apologized to his victim for the pain and suffering he caused. He acknowledged that his drug use turned him into a “monster” that night and accepted responsibility for the attack.
Ongsiako’s terrifying ordeal left her with physical and emotional scars, as she recounted the traumatic experience of being attacked in her own home. The memories of Doyle’s words and actions haunted her, but she remained determined to survive and seek justice. The support of her loved ones and the efforts of law enforcement ultimately led to Doyle’s arrest and conviction. Despite the impact of the attack on her life, Ongsiako continues to show resilience and strength in the face of adversity.
The case highlights the dangers of drug use and its potential consequences, as in Doyle’s case where he claimed that mushrooms altered his behavior and led to a violent act. It serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of understanding the effects of substance abuse and seeking help before it escalates into criminal behavior. Ongsiako’s story also underscores the need for vigilance and awareness in protecting oneself from potential threats, even in familiar settings like one’s own home. By sharing her experience, she hopes to raise awareness about the impact of violent crimes and inspire others to take precautions to prevent such incidents from happening.
