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A Hudson resident, Orlando Williams, has been sentenced to 12 years in state prison for the attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend. The sentence was handed down on Monday (December 8) in Columbia County Court. Williams, aged 55, was found guilty of multiple charges, including second-degree attempted murder, stemming from a violent incident in March 2024.
According to the Columbia County District Attorney's Office, Williams kidnapped his ex-girlfriend at knifepoint from her back porch and dragged her to a wooded area behind John L. Edwards Elementary School. There, he attempted to stab her multiple times while choking and beating her. The victim's boyfriend intervened by calling 911, allowing her to escape. Williams was arrested the following day in Greene County.
Assistant District Attorney Cheryl Botts, who prosecuted the case, expressed hope that the sentence brings relief to the victim and the community. "Orlando Williams is going where he belongs: to state prison," she said, as reported by the Daily Gazette.
Williams' defense attorney, Mark Portin, plans to appeal the sentence, citing inconsistencies in the victim's statements and a lack of medical evidence. Despite these arguments, the jury found Williams guilty of several charges, including second-degree strangulation and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
The court also issued a 20-year order of protection for the victim, ensuring Williams remains away from her after his release. Williams will serve his sentences concurrently and await transfer to state prison from Columbia County Jail. The case underscores ongoing concerns about domestic violence and the legal system's response to such incidents.