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Survivor of brutal Morris Heights attack is on the road to recovery

For two months, Virginia Alvarez underwent multiple surgeries and was completely codependent on her mother and caretaker. But she’s starting to feel like herself again, just in time for the holidays.

Marissa Santorelli

Dec 23, 2025, 6:32 PM

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Virginia Alvarez, the survivor of a brutal unprovoked attack in Morris Heights earlier this year, spoke with News 12 about her road to recovery.

Alvarez was attacked on Oct. 15 while on her way to work. Surveillance video shows her being struck by a man with a metal pipe. She suffered broken bones to her face and hands, and cuts all over her body.

"That day I thought I was going to die, I thought he was going to really kill me," said Alvarez.

Jeremiah White, 23, faces more than 20 criminal charges, including attempted murder.

For two months, Alvarez underwent multiple surgeries and was completely codependent on her mother and caretaker. She couldn't shower or eat without assistance. But she’s starting to feel like herself again, just in time for the holidays.

White is due back in court on Jan. 7.

Alvarez said she fears he will be released.

"He need to stay in jail, for life, for what he did to me," said Alvarez.

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