CHICAGO, IL – A day that began like any other for Kathleen Miles ended in a nightmare when she was assaulted in downtown Chicago. The attack left her with severe facial injuries, but it was the background of her alleged assailant that compelled her to speak out.
Miles, who typically works downtown just once a week, was walking near Block 37 on Aug. 19 when the incident occurred. She recalls regaining consciousness in a hospital room with a coworker reassuring her that she had been attacked.
Although her memory of the incident is unclear, a colleague who was present described a man forcefully separating the two women and striking Miles in the face. The assault resulted in multiple facial fractures and a concussion.
Authorities identified the suspect as 32-year-old William Livingston, a man with a lengthy criminal history. A search of records revealed Livingston has been arrested numerous times since 2012, with charges often involving assaults on women and law enforcement officers.
Miles expressed frustration over the repeated cycle of violence and lack of accountability. She questioned how many more incidents would occur before meaningful action is taken.
Livingston’s record shows a disturbing pattern. In 2017, he was accused of attacking two women in separate incidents, but those cases were dismissed. In 2022, he was sentenced to five years for attacking four women in a short span, yet was released on parole just 14 months later. In 2023, he was arrested again for another assault.
The cycle continued in 2024 when Livingston received a 100-day sentence for punching a teenage girl on North Michigan Avenue. Miles, determined to prevent further violence, has decided to publicly share her story.
Livingston’s next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 15. Miles hopes that speaking out will help bring attention to a system she believes is failing to protect victims.