NORWICH – Jonathan Elwood will spend the next 20 years of his life in state prison after being found guilty of a violent home invasion in Sherburne in 2006.

On Nov. 28, a jury of nine men and three women found Elwood guilty of three counts of first degree burglary – one for injuring the victim during the break-in, one for using a deadly instrument (rifle) and another for using a loaded firearm. He was also found guilty of first degree criminal use of a firearm and a misdemeanor, petit larceny, for stealing up to $50 and a telephone.

“This defendant broke into a home with an AK-47 assault rifle and stood guard, shouting at the victim, while his co-defendant raped her. Most of our violent crimes, that come before this court, involve the victim having contact with the defendant, drugs or alcohol. This was a crime committed against a stranger,” said District Attorney Joseph McBride.

“I accept I will never know what the truth was,” said the victim. “I am still frightened and I am still a prisoner of my own fears,” she said to the court.