William Todd Murell Sentenced to 20 Years for kidnapping woman, beating and raping her over a 10-day period

 A man from North Carolina, USA, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for drugging and sexually assaulting a woman in his apartment over a 10-day period in February 2020, as stated by local prosecutors. William Todd Murell, 58, was found guilty of first-degree rape and felony assault causing serious bodily injury by a jury on November 13.

 He was acquitted of a kidnapping charge but still faces rape and kidnapping charges in a separate case from March 2020. District Attorney Todd Williams expressed gratitude to prosecutors Katie Kurdys and Stormy Ellis for their dedicated advocacy for justice in the lengthy and complex jury trial. The victim testified that Murell provided her with alcohol and a drug called Trazodone, physically assaulted her over the course of 10 days, and raped her. Pardee Hospital staff presented evidence of her injuries, including a sexual assault kit, during the trial in November.

On November 13, a jury in Buncombe County found William Todd Murell, 58, guilty of first-degree rape and felony assault causing serious bodily injury. However, he was acquitted of a kidnapping charge. Murell still faces rape and kidnapping charges in a distinct case from March 2020.

Photographs presented in court revealed the victim's traumatic brain injury, bruises on her arms and legs, and cigarette burns on her back and chest, among other injuries. A toxicology report indicated the presence of barbiturates and benzodiazepines in the victim's system during hospitalization.

During his sentencing, Murell expressed shock at the jury's verdict but accepted his fate. Notably, he did not apologize or show remorse, as reported by the district attorney's office.

The victim, a mother of three and former police officer from Florida, encountered Murell at a substance abuse group while grappling with alcoholism. They attended meetings together, and on one occasion, she drove with Murell to his house to watch a movie. Subsequently, she experienced abuse, with Murell allegedly hiding her phone, administering drugs and alcohol, and subjecting her to beatings in a designated "punishment corner."

Despite multiple 911 calls over a 10-day period, welfare checks conducted by Asheville police did not result in rescues, as the victim did not explicitly seek help during those visits. Fearful of further harm, she refrained from informing authorities.

Ultimately, the victim escaped Murell's residence on February 11, contacting friends for assistance. She received treatment at Pardee Hospital, where it was discovered that she had a dangerously high blood alcohol level, a severe brain injury, and traces of barbiturates and benzodiazepines. Additionally, she had cuts, burns, and bruises throughout her body.

In a separate case from March 4, 2020, Murell faces kidnapping and rape charges for allegedly abducting another woman and sexually assaulting her in his home. The second victim managed to escape two days later, seeking help from a local service station after Murell fell asleep.