Donna Ongsiako, a resident of Colts Neck, New Jersey, survived a violent home invasion in July 2013 where she was brutally stabbed by an unknown assailant. The attack occurred as she was getting ready for bed, and she was alone in her home as her daughter was out at a party. The attacker, a young white male, entered her house, slashed her face and neck multiple times, and then proceeded to stab her in the chest before fleeing the scene. Despite losing a significant amount of blood, Donna managed to climb upstairs to her bedroom to call 911, fearing that her daughter might come home and find her dead.
The police investigation into the attack led to the eventual arrest of Brennan Doyle, a teenager who lived in the same neighborhood as Donna. Doyle’s DNA was a match to samples found in Donna’s car, and a knife linked to the attack was discovered on the roof of a nearby bowling alley. Doyle claimed that he was under the influence of hallucinogenic mushrooms at the time of the attack and expressed remorse for his actions. He ultimately pleaded guilty to attempted murder and carjacking charges and was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Following the attack, Donna struggled with feelings of anger, fear, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She founded a support group called Survivors of Violent Crimes to help other victims cope with their experiences and find a sense of community. Donna also embarked on a mission to educate others about the impact of violent crimes, speaking to police cadets and inmates in prison. Despite the physical and emotional scars from the attack, Donna remains resilient and determined to move forward.
While Brennan Doyle’s conviction brought some closure to Donna, she still believes that a longer sentence would have been a more fitting form of justice. She continues to advocate for victims of violent crimes and hopes to provide them with the support and resources they need to heal and rebuild their lives. Donna’s story serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience of survivors and their ability to turn tragedy into a platform for positive change.
