2 Years After Acid Attack: 'Why Haven't Resources' Led To Arrest?

ELMONT, NY — The family of a 23-year-old woman, who was physically and mentally wounded by an acid attack, is demanding justice more than two years later.

Nassau Legislator Carrié Solages (D – Lawrence) is leading the charge to finally solve the crime, and allow some closure for Nafiah Ikram.

Ikram's mother reaches out to Solages regularly to provide for her daughter.

While she has had numerous surgeries, Ikram still struggles to do simple tasks.

"Things that we take for granted, like blinking, is something that she cannot do," Solages told Patch.

He said doctors continue toward regaining as much function in her face as possible.

On the night of March 17, 2021, an unknown man threw a cup with liquid that splashed on Ikram's face. Ikram's life changed from that day forward. The acid also got into her esophagus, Solages said.

"She's gone through a lot, but she's maintained a positive disposition," he said.

Still, the family is frustrated by an inability to find who is responsible for the crime, despite video showing the attack outside Ikram's Elmont home.

"Why haven't these resources been used effectively to gain an arrest?" he ponders.

Nassau police did increase the reward last month to $50,000.

Although Ikram is healing, she faces post-traumatic stress disorder when she goes near her house, triggering fear that another person will throw something in her direction.

The victim also put a hold on her pre-med studies at Hofstra to cope with the attack's aftermath.

"She's doing amazing. By her breathing, she's winning," Solages said.

Ikram's mother also told Solages that no private investigators have contacted her about the case.

The legislator wants everyone to do more, from the police to the public, but Solages didn't stop there.

"Why can't resources be used to get cell phone records from that time and place? We have proof of what time that cell phone is being used," Solages said.

While it's personal for the woman and her family, having the attacker at large leaves an entire community feeling uneasy.

"It's almost like a terrorist attack," Solages said.

But the county legislator remains confident in the Nassau police department and the person, or persons, will ultimately get taken into custody.

Commissioner Patrick Ryder at a news conference last month said they are getting closer with new leads.

"It was nothing so definitive," Solages said.