– Behind Donna Palomba’s sexual assault
– Donna Palomba’s traumatic journey to justice.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
WATERBURY, CONNECTICUT: John Regan has been identified as the perpetrator behind the traumatic rape of Donna Palomba in 1993. Following years of relentless pursuit for justice, Donna persevered until her assailant was finally apprehended by the police.
The quest for justice lasted nearly 11 years, a testament to Donna’s unwavering determination to hold her attacker accountable for the heinous crime committed against her.
NBC’s ‘Dateline’ episode titled ‘Evil Paid a Visit’ sheds light on Palomba’s case, where she was brutally raped at her residence in the absence of her husband, John Palomba. The sinister aspect of this case lies in the fact that the convict, Regan, was a close friend of John Palomba.
The official synopsis of the episode states, “A Connecticut woman speaks out about her years-long journey for justice after being raped in her own home and the fight to keep her assailant from walking free.”
The episode, led by reporter Andrea Canning, features Donna Palomba and John Palomba, former Waterbury Detective Neil O’Leary, family members, and others.
Donna Palomba’s Traumatic Experience
On September 11, 1993, Donna Palomba endured a traumatic event when a masked intruder entered her home while her husband was away for the first time in their 12-year marriage.
The intruder physically and sexually assaulted her but inexplicably spared her life. Despite the threats, Palomba managed to escape to her neighbor’s house and bravely called the police. Law enforcement promptly responded, collecting DNA evidence through a rape kit at the hospital.
In the following weeks, rather than diligently pursuing the assailant, the police subjected Palomba to intense interrogation, questioning the validity of her account. Identified as Jane Doe, she filed a lawsuit against the Waterbury PD for negligence in 2001, ultimately winning the case.
However, in 2004, another similar attack occurred against a 21-year-old woman, leading to the apprehension of the suspect, John Regan. Shockingly, Regan was revealed to be a long-time friend of Palomba’s husband.
In 2004, Waterbury Police Chief Neil O’Leary’s intuition played a crucial role in the arrest of John Regan, a family friend, as the perpetrator of Palomba’s assault. Subsequent DNA analysis confirmed a perfect match between Regan’s DNA and that found at the crime scene.
Surviving the Assault
In September 1993, Palomba experienced a horrifying attack at her home. Her husband was away attending a friend’s wedding in Colorado, leaving her alone with their 5 and 7-year-old children.
During the night, an intruder, later identified as John Regan, entered her bedroom where her children were sleeping. The assailant quickly overpowered her, covering her head with a pillowcase, blindfolding her, and restraining her hands with pantyhose.
The intruder proceeded to sexually assault her and issued threats, warning her of harm if she contacted the police. Despite the assailant disguising his voice, Palomba recounted the terrifying incident to NBC, emphasizing the attacker’s swift and forceful actions.
Palomba pleaded for her life, saying, “I will never tell a soul. Please don’t hurt me.” The assailant repeatedly threatened her, stating that he would kill her if she reported the incident to the police. Eventually, Regan left the room, closing the door behind him.
Palomba expressed her gratitude for surviving such a harrowing experience, stating, “When you come that close to death and you’re able to survive, I was just so incredibly grateful.”
– Donna Palomba sexual assault perpetrator– Donna Palomba journey to justice.
