Editor’s Note: This story includes mention of potentially triggering situations, such as racism and violence.
Billie Davis, who prosecutors say stabbed an Asian IU student on a Bloomington Transit bus in January 2023, pleaded guilty to a federal hate crime charge.
Davis’ sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 3. The charge carries a maximum 10-year prison sentence.
Davis, who was indicted by a federal grand jury, allegedly stabbed an 18-year-old IU student multiple times in the head with a pocketknife Jan. 11, 2023, on Bloomington Transit Bus 1777. Davis told the police she targeted the student because the student was Asian.
The Bloomington woman originally faced state and federal charges, but the state dropped its charges of attempted murder, aggravated battery and battery with a deadly weapon. Earlier this year, a U.S. District Court found Davis was competent to stand trial, though her attorney had previously sought an insanity defense.
In response to the stabbing, members of the Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities across Bloomington organized rallies, educational and support events. Groups — including IU Asian Culture Center, Asian American Association at IU and local chapters of the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association and Hoosier Asian American Power — offered and continue to offer resources for Asian students.
RelatedBoard with swastika found outside Beth Shalom Synagogue The Bloomington Police Department is reviewing nearby security footage.
