Man arrested in 2021 Long Island acid attack that left woman disfigured
An arrest has been made in an acid attack on a Long Island college student that happened nearly five years ago.
In March 2021, Nafiah Ikram was attacked in her Elmont driveway by a hooded man who threw a cup of acid in her face and drove off. The incident left her face disfigured and her throat burned.
On Tuesday morning, police identified Brooklyn resident Terell Campbell, 29, as the suspect. The flower delivery driver is charged with two counts of assault, possession of a weapon, and possession of noxious material. He pleaded not guilty.
If convicted, Campbell could face 25 years in prison. He had nothing to say to reporters. He was ordered held without bail.
Prosecutors called the attack one of the most vicious and barbaric acts Nassau County has ever had.
"We believe this almost 5-year-old mystery has finally been solved," District Attorney Anne Donnelly said. "Campbell thought he got away with it ... he bragged on the internet for everyone to see. He could not have been more wrong."
New evidence helps identify the suspect
The case remained unsolved for years, but new evidence came to light in late 2025 through a tip. Donnelly wouldn't specify what the new evidence was, but she said it helped police identify Campbell as the suspect.
Officers tracked down his address, where they found a red Nissan Altima. That was the car seen driving away from Ikram's home after the attack.
Suspect has shocking web searches
Prosecutors said Campbell had numerous incriminating and shocking web searches immediately after the attack, including "sulfuric acid remover," "sulfuric acid on car seat," and "Can you recover from a sulfuric acid attack?"
They also said he is an aspiring rapper who published a song entitled "Obsidian," which references burning someone's face with acid.
"'Obsidian' means hot lava that comes from a volcano," Donnelly said. "It's sickening. It's cruel. It's brazen."
"This heartless defendant intended to cause her irreparable harm. Later, he cared so little about the traumatic life-altering injuries he caused that he used the attack to further his rap career," Donnelly said.
The investigation was stalled for so many years, partly because prosecutors were trying to get a hold of technology companies to see Campbell's internet search history.
"I did have tears of joy"
Ikram said she has mixed emotions, and is still processing the shock of the arrest after enduring dozens of surgeries, skin grafts, vision loss in one eye, throat closure, and the agony of not knowing for years who was responsible.
"I did have tears of joy yesterday," Ikram said.
She said being in court Tuesday was surreal.
"i was sitting in that courtroom disassociating, in a dream, how much shock I was in," she said.
Ikram's father was questioned as a potential suspect, prompting the family to admonish police.
"We took a lot of heat over the last five years. 'You're not doing enough.' Know this: the Nassau PD never gives up on its victims," Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said. "We will make sure the family gets the closure they deserve and the animal will go to jail for a long, long time ... along with anyone else involved in this case."
"I want to thank every single person, every single prayer," said Sherina Mohammed, Ikram's mother.
Officials say the investigation isn't over. They're looking into whether Campbell was paid, and if so, by whom. More arrests are possible, but there's not much time left, because there's a five-year statute of limitations.
There was a $50,000 reward offered in the case, and police said it will be awarded.
"Every day is a challenge"
When CBS News New York's Carolyn Gusoff spoke with her in March, Ikram said she was in constant pain.
"Mentally, every day is a challenge," Ikram said.
At the time, Ikram said she was living in fear because the suspect was free.
"I'm still suffering to this day. Look, I had that surgery to release the scarring and I still can't open my mouth. I have scars all over my face and they are still not even halfway done," she said in February 2023. "I'm still disabled. I can't see out of my right side right now. I still need someone to drive me everywhere."
Ikram focuses on how far she's come
While it isn't easy, Ikram tries to be optimistic and focus on how far she's come since the incident.
An emotional support pet, journaling daily and skin grafts help her move forward, she said.
"Learning that every day is a new blessing and an opportunity to be great," Ikram said.
Her long-term goals include finishing college and possibly becoming a trauma doctor, inspired by her firsthand experience. She also speaks publicly about the incident, trying to offer hope to other victims.
