Sexual assault suspect sentenced to 14 years in prison
It was a brutal case that shocked a Tempe neighborhood, a 91-year-old woman was violently raped inside her own home.
Now, the man who carried out the attack was sentenced to 14 years in prison.
But before the judge handed down the sentence, his victim spoke out in court.
"I am here today as an advocate for women who are sexually assaulted to report the incident," said the victim named Anne.
Courage comes in all shapes, sizes, and ages. During the sentencing hearing, it came in the form of a 91-year-old woman.
"I am here today to ask women, in general, if this happens to you, do not be embarrassed, do not be ashamed, be strong, go to the police," said Anne.
Anne was inside her Tempe home back in October of 2014 when a man, later identified as Ekwunze Owen, broke into her house and sexually assaulted her. Police say Owen was responsible for a string of sex crimes, it first began with trespassing, then it escalated into indecent exposure, and eventually rape.
He pleaded guilty to kidnapping, sexual assault, and public indecency.
Detective Dave Hansen was the lead investigator on Anne's case.
"This is by far the most appalling and offensive investigation I have been a part of... it is our duty to protect every mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister from this defendant, the longer he is incarcerated, the safe the community will be," said Det. Dave Hansen.
Owen agreed to the plea deal, and in court he admitted he needed help with sexual perversions. However, he claimed he was not guilty of rape.
"As it goes I'm not saying I'm an angel, I'm not saying I'm a saint, and I'm definitely not saying I'm completely innocent, but what I am saying is I did not rape this 91-year-old woman here," said Ekwunze Owen.
Once released from prison, Owen will be on probation for 16 years and have to register as a sex offender.