Gary Man Sentenced to 49 Years After Rape Trial

Damian Donaldson, 38, was convicted of 18 charges including rape, attempted rape, and domestic battery.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Damian Donaldson, a 38-year-old man from Gary, Indiana, was sentenced to 49 years in prison on Thursday after being convicted of 18 charges, including rape, attempted rape, criminal confinement, burglary, stalking, intimidation, domestic battery, and neglect of a dependent. The sentence was handed down by Judge Salvador Vasquez in Lake County Superior Court.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence and sexual assault, and the need for strong sentences to protect victims and deter future crimes. Donaldson's actions were described as 'an extreme act of violence' by the judge, underscoring the severity of his crimes.

The details

Donaldson was convicted of a variety of charges stemming from an incident in October where he sexually assaulted a woman, broke her windshield, and poured marinara sauce in her gas tank. The woman said Donaldson showed up uninvited at her back door, threatened her, and then grabbed her face and choked and raped her after her children went back to sleep. Donaldson claimed the Indiana Department of Child Services would take the woman's children if police were called.

  • On October 28, 2025, Gary police responded to a reported rape at 8:18 a.m.
  • In February 2026, Donaldson was convicted of the 18 charges.
  • On March 5, 2026, Donaldson was sentenced to 49 years in prison by Judge Salvador Vasquez.

The players

Damian Donaldson

A 38-year-old man from Gary, Indiana who was convicted of 18 charges including rape, attempted rape, and domestic battery.

Judge Salvador Vasquez

The judge who sentenced Donaldson to 49 years in prison, stating that the 'aggravating factors in this case are significant, and the aggravating sentence is appropriate.'

Patricia Ivanovich

Donaldson's attorney who asked for a 14-year sentence.

Jessica (Arnold) Woodward

The deputy prosecutor who asked for a 65-year sentence, saying Donaldson has not learned from previous incidents and doesn't have remorse for his actions.

Kena Davis

Donaldson's girlfriend who testified on his behalf, describing him as a 'great father and a great man' who 'treats them like his own' children.

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What they’re saying

“There's no question that what the jury heard in this case was an extreme act of violence, and that's not taken lightly. The aggravating factors in this case are significant, and the aggravating sentence is appropriate.”

— Judge Salvador Vasquez (chicagotribune.com)

“He has repeatedly made threats to my life … telling me that I will die by his hands. He's threatened to kill me and my children, and he's created a terrifying environment for me and my children.”

— Victim (chicagotribune.com)

“I believe he's incredibly dangerous. I'm concerned for my safety, my children's safety, and the safety of anyone who comes in contact with him.”

— Victim (chicagotribune.com)

“This makes me look like a monster. This is just a toxic relationship.”

— Damian Donaldson (chicagotribune.com)

“Please be lenient. He's a great father and a great man. He does everything that a woman might need.”

— Kena Davis, Donaldson's girlfriend (chicagotribune.com)

What’s next

The judge's decision on whether to allow Donaldson out on bail during the appeals process is expected on Tuesday.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for strong sentences and protections for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as the ongoing challenges in addressing patterns of manipulation, violence, and lack of remorse from repeat offenders.