Suspect released on bail in Brentwood woman’s sexual assault case

A man is believed to be responsible for the attack on a woman and her newborn on July 16, 2024 in Brentwood. (KTLA)

A man arrested after allegedly sexually assaulting a woman who was travelling with a newborn baby earlier this week has been released on bail.

On Thursday, police confirmed that a suspect, later identified as 26-year-old Abraham Shily, was arrested in connection with the attack, which occurred Tuesday in the 900 block of South Gretna Green Way in Brentwood.

However, his time in custody was short-lived; according to prison records, he was released the same day on $50,000 bail.

Several KTLA informants have reported that Shiley was allowed to return to his mother’s home in the same neighborhood where the alleged attack occurred.

Carmina Lu, the mother who came forward as a victim of the attack, described her horrific experience to KTLA’s Carlos Saucedo.

“It was really horrible,” Lu said. “I never expected something like this to happen, especially a month after giving birth to such a beautiful baby.”

Lu said her shirtless attacker approached her from behind, grabbed her by the hips and began sexually assaulting her. When she resisted, he allegedly punched her, hitting her in the face and leaving cuts and bruises that were visible days later.

The ordeal ended when neighbors heard the woman’s screams, rushed to help and chased away the attacker.

Lu’s four-week-old baby was not injured in the attack.

The mother said her sense of safety has deteriorated near her own home, and told KTLA she just wants to be able to walk in her own neighborhood and feel safe.

“I don’t think I’ll feel it anytime soon,” she said.

The release of her alleged attacker from custody likely complicates the matter further.

Conditions of Shiley’s release were not immediately clear, but prison records show he is tentatively scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 8.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Los Angeles Police Department.