A 36-year-old woman is facing surgery and permanent scarring after authorities say a stranger bit a chunk of flesh from her forehead during an apparently unprovoked attack that prosecutors allege was motivated by bias.
The assault occurred on the afternoon of Sept. 18 as the victim was walking to a nearby convenience store from work. According to investigators, the confrontation began when the suspect allegedly threw a food wrapper at the woman. When the victim questioned her, the suspect allegedly responded with comments referring to the victim as an “inferior race” and used a homophobic slur.
Authorities say the encounter quickly turned violent. The suspect allegedly spat on the victim, grabbed her, and pulled her to the ground before biting her forehead and tearing away a piece of flesh approximately one inch in diameter. A bystander intervened and attempted to separate the women during the struggle.
After the suspect fled, the witness followed her and alerted law enforcement. Investigators later recovered the missing piece of flesh nearby. The victim identified the suspect, who was subsequently arrested.
The woman was hospitalized for treatment. Authorities say her injuries are permanent and will require surgery.
Prosecutors have charged 35-year-old Kamilia Chadli with second-degree assault. The case was initially investigated as a possible hate crime after authorities alleged the attack included racial and anti-LGBTQ slurs.
According to court documents, the victim’s injuries constitute substantial bodily harm, a key element of the felony assault charge. Prosecutors have not publicly ruled out additional charges as the case moves forward.
The attack has drawn attention because of its unusual brutality and the severity of the victim’s injuries. Authorities allege the assault was entirely unprovoked, with the victim and suspect having no prior relationship.
The defendant remains accused, not convicted, and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
