Man Gets 2 Life Sentences for Raping Nurse on Red Line Train

A D.C. man will spend the rest of his life in prison for raping a nurse at knifepoint aboard a Red Line train in 2016.

John Hicks, 41, was sentenced Friday to two consecutive life terms. He was convicted in January for first-degree rape and a first-degree sex offense.

The victim gave emotional testimony at the hearing Friday and asked the judge to give Hicks the maximum sentence.

“He doesn’t deserve mercy. He’s heartless. He’s a danger,” she said.

She fell asleep on the Glenmont-bound train at 9 a.m. on April 12, 2016 after working an overnight nursing shift.

As the train continued, Hicks approached her and asked her questions such as, "Do you have a boyfriend?" and "Are you going to Glenmont?" documents said.

Hicks then showed her a folding knife while the train was at the Forest Glen Station, according to the victim's statement.

He then enveloped the woman in a "bearhug," the statement reads. He forced her to another part of the railcar where he attempted to have sex with her and forced her to perform oral sex all while the knife was in his hand, she told police. At some point, a struggle over the knife left the victim with a cut to her finger, she said.

On Friday, she said the cut is a daily reminder of the attack and she is still traumatized.

The victim had told police after the attack that she worried Hicks would kill her if she did not comply.

She previously told jurors she pleaded with Hicks: "Please don't hurt me."

Hicks apologized before his sentencing and said, “I hope one day she can move on with her life.” He said he has a serious drug dependency and asked for help.

Hicks' attorneys said he was under the influence of PCP and argued for a 30-year sentence.

Before he was arrested for the rape on the Red Line, Hicks was suspected in an indecent exposure case.

Prosecutors said the rape was Hicks' third sex offense.