MADISON, Wis. — A 28-year-old man was sentenced to 30 years in prison for a violent assault that left a University of Wisconsin-Madison student in a coma in 2023. Brandon Thompson, of Brooklyn, pleaded guilty last year to several charges, including first-degree sexual assault causing great bodily harm, first-degree reckless injury, and strangulation.
Judge Ellen Berz described the random attack as “brutal” and “inexplicable,” warning that Thompson’s actions indicate a potential for future violence. Following his prison term, Thompson will also face 20 years of extended supervision.
In court, prosecutors detailed a horrific scene in which Thompson allegedly strangled the victim, sexually assaulted her, and severely injured her jaw. Medical professionals placed her in a medically-induced coma due to a brain bleed resulting from the attack. The former Madison police chief labeled the incident as one of the most violent sexual assaults in recent times.
Thompson spoke emotionally during the sentencing, expressing remorse for his actions. “Instead of meeting me as a nice person, she met me as a monster,” he said. However, evidence revealed a more troubling picture. Witnesses reported that Thompson claimed to have found the victim in the street and moved her behind a house before fleeing the scene.
Investigators uncovered Thompson’s admission to detectives, where he acknowledged his violent outburst, describing it as a buildup of frustration that led him to lash out. Assistant District Attorney Matt Moeser stated that Thompson’s history included discussions with mental health professionals about his violent urges, leading them to categorize him as a significant public threat.
Surveillance footage captured Thompson following the victim after leaving a bar prior to the assault. Prosecutors indicated that this was not an isolated incident, as he had previously targeted at least two other women in similar circumstances.
The judge underscored the severity of Thompson’s actions when handing down the sentence, reinforcing the need to protect the community from his potential for further violence. The victim, who attended the hearing, delivered a powerful impact statement, revealing the lasting effects of the assault, including a loss of her sense of smell.
She described her grief over missing out on everyday experiences, such as enjoying the changing seasons. “This has turned out to be the most pervasive reminder of the assault,” she stated.
DNA evidence collected during the investigation strongly indicated Thompson’s involvement, matching him with a probability deemed the highest by the Wisconsin State Crime Lab.
As a tragic reminder of the incident, the victim’s reflection on her experience highlights the deep emotional and physical scars that can result from such heinous acts. Support resources are available for individuals affected by sexual violence, including a 24-hour hotline through the RCC Sexual Violence Resource Center in Madison.