Jealous ex-boyfriend charged in vicious acid attack on college student

Prosecutors say Shaquille Coke allegedly coordinated the brutal assault that left the victim severely burned and disfigured.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:06am

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An extreme close-up photograph of shattered laboratory glassware, dramatically lit by a harsh flash against a dark background, conceptually representing the devastating aftermath of a violent acid attack.A brutal acid attack leaves lasting scars, both physical and emotional, on a young victim and her community.Elmont Today

A jealous ex-boyfriend, Shaquille Coke, has been charged with first-degree assault for allegedly orchestrating a horrific sulfuric acid attack on his 21-year-old former girlfriend, Nafiah Ikram, outside her home in Elmont, New York in 2021. Prosecutors say Coke coordinated the attack with an accomplice, Terrell Campbell, who allegedly threw the acid directly at Ikram's face and body, causing severe burns. The attack left Ikram nearly blind and struggling to speak, eat, and drink. Coke is also accused of harassing Ikram before and after the assault, including creating a fake social media account to question her and sending vulgar messages mocking her injuries.

Why it matters

This case highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence and the lengths some perpetrators will go to in order to seek revenge on former partners. The attack on Nafiah Ikram has had a profound and lasting impact, both physically and emotionally, and raises broader questions about safety, stalking, and the need for stronger protections for victims of abuse.

The details

According to prosecutors, the attack occurred on March 17, 2021 as Ikram, then a 21-year-old Hofstra University student, returned home from work with her mother. As Ikram gathered belongings from their car, Terrell Campbell, allegedly wearing a mask, gloves and a hooded sweatshirt, approached and threw a cup of 70% sulfuric acid directly at Ikram's face and body. The acid seared her face and body, poured down her throat, and splashed into her eye, causing second- and third-degree burns. Ikram collapsed on the front lawn and was rushed to the hospital, where she was treated for her devastating injuries that left her nearly blind and struggling to speak, eat and drink.

  • The attack occurred on March 17, 2021.
  • Coke was arraigned on March 24, 2026 on charges including first-degree assault.
  • Coke's next court appearance is scheduled for April 20, 2026.

The players

Shaquille Coke

A 31-year-old man who prosecutors describe as a "jealous, possessive, and jilted former boyfriend" of the victim, Nafiah Ikram. Coke is accused of orchestrating the acid attack on Ikram.

Terrell Campbell

A 29-year-old man who prosecutors allege was Coke's accomplice in carrying out the acid attack on Ikram. Campbell allegedly threw the acid directly at Ikram's face and body.

Nafiah Ikram

A 21-year-old Hofstra University student who was the victim of the brutal acid attack, leaving her severely burned and disfigured.

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What they’re saying

“With his co-defendant... Shaquille Coke allegedly carried out a vicious and vindictive attack to mutilate the young woman who ended their relationship.”

— Anne Donnelly, Nassau County District Attorney

“No, it's not a random attack, it's a planned attack.”

— Sheikh Ikram, Nafiah Ikram's father

“She is very scared. She is unable to shower or care for herself due to her injuries.”

— Sheikh Ikram, Nafiah Ikram's father

What’s next

Prosecutors say both Coke and Campbell face up to 25 years in prison if convicted. Coke's next court appearance is scheduled for April 20, 2026, where a judge will decide whether to grant him bail.

The takeaway

This horrific attack highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence and the need for stronger protections and support for victims. It also raises broader questions about stalking, harassment, and the lengths some perpetrators will go to in order to seek revenge on former partners.