Prosecutors have charged a suspect in a five-year-old acid attack case on Long Island, with the arrest coming after investigators linked the crime to the suspect’s rap lyrics and online searches.
On the evening of March 17, 2021, Nafiah Ikram, a 21-year-old pre-med student at Hofstra University, was attacked outside her home in Elmont, New York. As she gathered items from her car, a masked assailant threw sulfuric acid in her face, causing immediate and severe burns. The attacker fled in a red Nissan Altima, leaving Ikram screaming in pain on her front lawn.
The acid scorched Ikram’s face, neck, chest, and throat, permanently blinding her right eye. She required numerous surgeries, skin grafts, and ongoing esophageal dilations to breathe and eat normally. For nearly five years, she endured physical and emotional trauma while the case remained unsolved, with no motive or suspect identified.
The investigation gained momentum in late 2025 when a tipster provided information leading to Terrell Campbell, a 29-year-old Brooklyn resident. Authorities matched the vehicle used in the attack to a red Nissan Altima registered to a family member of Campbell. This breakthrough was bolstered by a $50,000 Crime Stoppers reward offered for information.
Key evidence included Campbell’s internet search history, which showed queries about removing sulfuric acid from car fabric shortly after the attack. Additionally, prosecutors cited a music video uploaded by Campbell in 2023 under the name “YungBasedPrince,” where he rapped lyrics describing an acid attack similar to Ikram’s ordeal.
Campbell was arrested on February 9, 2026, and charged on February 12 with assault, criminal possession of a weapon, and unlawful possession of noxious material. He pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail. Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly described the attack as “cruel and brazen,” emphasizing that Campbell thought he had evaded justice.
Campbell, an aspiring hip-hop artist, allegedly used the attack to further his music career by incorporating it into his lyrics. Prosecutors are still investigating the motive, including the possibility that someone paid him to carry out the attack. Ikram stated she does not know Campbell, adding to the mystery of why she was targeted.
The arrest has brought some relief to Ikram, who expressed gratitude for the closure after years of uncertainty. She remains positive despite her injuries, emphasizing her resilience. The case has drawn national attention, highlighting issues of violent crime and the long path to justice for victims.
Campbell’s next court hearing is scheduled for February 18, 2026, where further legal proceedings will unfold. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years in prison. The resolution of this case underscores the perseverance of law enforcement and the importance of community tips in solving cold cases.
