Rapist Sentenced To 20 Years

By DAN UHLINGER | The Hartford Courant
1:40 PM EDT, August 22, 2007

In a highly emotional court hearing today, a wheelchair-bound elderly woman from East Hartford, breathing from a portable oxygen tank, confronted her attacker at his sentencing on rape and other charges.

Alejandro Cuyxum, an illegal immigrant from Guatemala, pleaded for forgiveness before he was sentenced in Hartford Superior Court to 20 years in prison for beating and raping the 73-year-old woman in July 2005.

Clasping her oxygen tube and staring at Cuyxum, the woman, who has lost the use of one arm, listened as Cuyxum, 26, said they were brother and sister in God's eyes.

Cuyxum said he was truly sorry and was taking responsibility for his actions.

The woman did not react.

Comforted by her family members, the woman gave a statement to the court that told how Cuyxum had robbed her of everything important in life.

"This man has taken from my life much that was meaningful and provided enjoyment and satisfaction.

The woman, who lived with her pet dog in an apartment on Main Street, has had to move into an assisted living center. As a result of the attack, she has lost the daily companionship of her dog, Peaches, and her close friends.

"I want him to be accountable," she said.

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