SMITHFIELD – A former employee at a Smithfield assisted living center was found guilty of rape Thursday by a Johnston County Jury and sentenced to prison. Joseph Ngigi Kariuki of Clayton was arrested on December 19, 2019 for the rape of a 79 year-old patient at Brookdale Senior Living on Berkshire Road.
The jury found Kariuki guilty of first-degree forcible rape. Kariuki was a caretaker at the facility when the crime occurred. Around 2:55am on the morning of the incident, police were called to Brooksdale Senior Living by another employee. A supervisor detained the suspect until police officers arrived.
The victim suffered from Alzheimer’s disease when she was raped. The victim died before the trial took place.
Prosecutors said the victim’s family members, who were present during the trial, were shocked and traumatized by the brutal assault of their loved one.
After the guilty verdict, Superior Court Judge Clair Hill sentenced the defendant to serve a minimum of 20 years to a maximum of 29 years in state prison.
“The Johnston County District Attorney’s Office is pleased with the verdict and the sentence imposed. We hope that this helps restore some measure of dignity to this incredible lady whose life was full of such tremendous love. Our office also hopes the victim’s family members find a measure of justice in this outcome,” said Assistant District Attorney Caitlin Slavin.
“We are now confident that this predator will never again be able to harm a member of our community. The District Attorney’s office thanks lead investigator Lt. Terry West and the Smithfield Police Department for their hard work and all of the jurors for their thoughtfulness and service.,“ Slavin stated.
I hope they beat his a** everyday in prison.. Pervert…