A 32-year-old man with a long record of attacking women in Chicago’s downtown is accused of another brutal assault — this time leaving a woman unconscious with severe injuries in the Loop.
The Latest Attack
On August 19, 2025, Kathleen Miles, 56, of Lake Villa, was walking with a friend in the 200 block of West Washington when William Livingston suddenly forced his way between them and punched her in the face.
Miles fell to the pavement, unconscious and bleeding. She was rushed to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where doctors found multiple fractures — including her orbital bone, cheekbone, and part of her skull — along with a serious concussion.
Her daughter, Dionna Wolf, said the attack has left her mother struggling to manage everyday tasks.
“He punched her once and then stood over her, watching her bleed until police arrived,” Wolf said. “The sad part is he enjoyed watching. No one knew what he would do next.”
One passerby did step in — a state senator who used his shirt to wrap Miles’ bleeding head until paramedics arrived.
Charges Filed
Livingston has been charged with three counts of aggravated battery. Judge Rivanda Doss Beal ordered him held in jail, a move that family members say finally offers some relief after years of repeat offenses.
Family Reaction
Wolf described her mother as a devoted parent of nine biological children, two stepchildren, and five grandchildren.
“She’s worked downtown for over 20 years. Anyone who knows her would say she is selfless and compassionate,” Wolf said. “She would have given this man a meal or a conversation if he asked.”
Even after her injuries, Miles told her family she hoped her suffering might prevent someone else from being attacked.
A Pattern of Violence
Livingston has been linked to numerous unprovoked assaults on women since at least 2017.
2022: Police say he attacked multiple women in the Loop, including a DePaul University student. Victims described being punched in the face, neck, or jaw without warning.
2023: He was arrested for elbowing a woman on the Magnificent Mile. Though initially released, parole was later revoked, but he was freed again in early 2024.
2024: Police reports describe him striking more women, including a 15-year-old girl walking with her mother. He eventually pleaded guilty to misdemeanors and served 100 days.
Earlier incidents: Cases from 2017 also describe random assaults on women and spitting at police officers.
Community Concerns
Wolf said her family’s priority is ensuring Livingston cannot hurt others.
“We don’t just want justice for my mom,” she said. “We want protection for all women in Chicago. Right now, the city no longer feels safe.”
The attack on Kathleen Miles is only the latest in a disturbing history of violence by William Livingston. While prosecutors have charged him again, Miles’ family — and many Chicago residents — fear that unless he is kept behind bars, more women will continue to be at risk.
