Night of terror brings 13-year prison sentence

A man was sentenced Friday to 13 years in prison for raping a Woodridge woman, then leading police on a car chase that ended when he crashed into an elderly couple's living room in Hinsdale.

Joshua K. Colwell said he "lost it" Aug. 17, 2007, after seeing his former flame with a new boyfriend.

In a tearful apology, the 29-year-old former Aurora man asked for a second chance to turn around his life. He had pleaded guilty Aug. 25 to aggravated criminal sexual assault, aggravated unlawful restraint and aggravated fleeing of a police officer.

Colwell insisted that night's violence was unlike him, but the woman he targeted said the anguish he inflicted upon her during their relationship speaks volumes about his true character. She had an active order of protection against him when he attacked.

In a crowded courtroom, the woman told DuPage Circuit Judge Kathryn Creswell of earlier physical and mental abuse. That night, she said the knife-wielding man forced his way into her Woodridge apartment, demanded one last kiss and raped her.

He repeatedly said, "Don't make me hurt you."

"He had plans to end his own life that night and I truly believe he would have taken me with him had I not begged and pleaded with him," she said through tears. "I am afraid that when he is released, he will find me and kill me. I fear that this is not over, the stalking, the calls, the confrontations and the unhealthy obsession.

"It will not be over until he has taken everything away from me."

Colwell faced six to 20 years in prison.

Prosecutor Demetri Demopoulos described Colwell as a classic Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personality. The prosecutor sought the maximum punishment.

"He will be deceitful and manipulative so long as it suits him," Demopoulos said.

Colwell did not have a prior felony criminal record. His attorney, Justin Sather, gave the judge two dozen letters from family and friends who describe Colwell as trustworthy, remorseful and a changed man. His loving parents and siblings fought back emotion while asking for mercy on his behalf.

Colwell has completed more than 150 hours of self-help classes in the DuPage County jail to combat his substance-abuse issues.

"He has owned up to what he did and is trying to better himself," Sather said.

The judge cited Colwell's actions that night as being particularly disturbing.

After fleeing his ex-girlfriend's apartment, he led police on a chase exceeding speeds of 100 mph through three towns. Colwell nearly struck one motorist and didn't stop until he crashed into the front room of an elderly Hinsdale couple who were sleeping in another room.

"It's amazing that no one was killed in all of this," Creswell said.

Colwell must serve most of his 13-year prison term before being eligible for parole.