Survivor’s Struggle with Trauma and Justice in 1992 Rape Case

Amy has endured the trauma of a Valentine’s Day rape in 1992 for 33 years. Her case was cold until DNA evidence linked it to Anthony Favors, a convicted rapist, last year.

In September 2025, Anthony Favors, aged 57, faced six indictments, including abduction and burglary. He accepted a plea deal on two rape counts, resulting in a 24-year prison sentence. Judge Everett A. Martin Jr. mandated 12 years for each count to run consecutively.

Months later, Amy received an automated VINE text about a review of Favors’ case for potential release by Virginia’s parole board. “I finally get some sort of closure and justice. And then I get a text,” Amy expressed shock to Fox News Digital. She questions how Favors is even eligible for parole.

Amy was raped by Anthony Favors while serving in the Navy. (Courtesy of Amy)

Ramin Fatehi, Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney, confirmed that Favors might have a “discretionary parole hearing” soon. Fatehi explained that a bureaucratic overlap from a previous parole consideration triggered the hearing. Fatehi noted, “It’s discretionary because he had been locked up for so long. He is theoretically eligible.”

Separately, Favors was serving a 60-year term for another March 1992 rape. A DNA match in 2024 linked him to Amy’s case. His offenses occurred before January 1, 1995, allowing the Virginia Parole Board to contemplate his release.

Anthony Favors was given a 24-year sentence for 1992 rape. (Virginia State Police)

Fatehi stated the odds of Favors’ release are “slim to zero,” but the prospect of a hearing left Amy unsettled. “The only word I can think of is disgusting,” she said. “It’s wrong. How can you do that? Where is my justice?”

The attack changed Amy’s life. Favors assaulted her for hours at her Norfolk apartment while she was in the Navy. Despite the trauma, she reported to her Navy shift immediately after.

Years later, Amy struggles with severe PTSD, lack of sleep, and hypervigilance, constantly checking her locks. “Some of the things I thought were normal are not normal,” she said. “Check the locks, recheck the locks. I’m not sleeping again because… it’s the unknown.”

Heather Keeley, from Stand Tall, a nonprofit advocacy group, noted that survivors already bear the burden of past assaults. By granting Favors a parole hearing, the system intensifies that trauma, making victims relive it.

“He was sentenced to 24 years, which wouldn’t even suggest parole in 12 years,” Keeley commented. “Yet, less than six months later, she’s notified by text of a parole board appearance… how is that possible?”

Amy plans to request a three-year deferral from the parole board to avoid reliving her nightmare annually. She stated, “I now have to explain myself again as to why he shouldn’t get out. It’s too much. But I have to speak for myself and for other victims who can’t.”

Amy fears the board’s actions destroy public trust in the system. She asked, “If you’re paroling these people, what incentives exist for others to report rape or assault?”

The Virginia Parole Board doesn’t publish its full hearing schedule but shares monthly parole decisions online.

Favors’ defense attorney didn’t respond to comment requests. Fox News Digital also reached out to Governor Abigail Spanberger’s office for remarks.