A firefighter in Newton, Massachusetts, is in jail after allegedly kidnapping and attacking his ex-girlfriend on Thursday night.
Lee Gilliam, 33, of 678 Wyman St., Apt. #3, Newton, is facing charges of assault and battery on a family or household member, kidnapping and threat to commit a crime. He was ordered held without bail at his arraignment Friday in Newton District Court and is due back in court for a continuance hearing on March 5.
"I thought he was going to be my partner for life," said the 21-year-old victim, whom necn has declined to identify. "He punched me in my neck - sucker-punched me about three times in the back of my head, so I got a like a concussion-type of blackout thing."
According to court documents, the victim then lost consciousness. Gilliam allegedly held her by her hair. The victim said he told her, "I'll kill you before you go anywhere."
Prosecution said the victim woke up inside Gilliam's vehicle. She was then allegedly forced into the Newton apartment where they once lived together, with Gilliam allegedly still gripping her hair. That's where she says more attacks happened.
He allegedly told her that because he is a firefighter, nothing would happen to him, saying, "I'll kill you and no one will find you."
The victim says Gilliam then took her keys and credit card before falling asleep in the bedroom.
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"I just tried to walk out, knowing that I had an injury on my knee because he tried to pop my kneecap off," she said.
The victim said she didn't get far - she had to call a cab, which took her to the Newton Police Department. As gruesome as this incident sounds, she says this wasn't the first.
Neighbors also say things had been strange in the apartment building since the couple moved in.
"It was a few days ago when the police were here," said neighbor Joseph Antonellis. "Ever since then, I've been skeptical and I've been looking out, and I've been worried."
The victim says she didn't leave because Gilliam has been a Newton firefighter for almost 11 years, and that he would threaten no one would believe her story.
"I've always been told by him that the fire department would back him up on this and that nothing could be done about it," she said. "Even if I spoke about it, he would never face any charges."
Gilliam has been placed on paid administrative leave until further notice. The victim is looking to heal, both physically and mentally, from the pain she says she's endured for the past two years.
"I wish it could have been a beautiful thing, I could have kept it, it could of been a beautiful thing if it wasn't for the abuse that was going on," she said.
Gilliam is being held without bail. He's due back in court on Thursday.
