1995 COLD CASE: Woman feels free after rapist sentenced to prison

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte woman has lived in fear since she was raped in 1995. The assailant was on the loose for more than two decades until last year when he was arrested.

[PAST COVERAGE: CMPD charges man accused of sexually assaulting teen more than 20 years ago]

Christopher McNear was sentenced Friday to 16 to 21 years in prison.

Loshica Morris has been looking forward to the sentencing for most of her adult life.

"I was really nervous, chill bumps," Morris said Friday.

Morris was 17 years old when she was walking along North Tryon Street and McNear grabbed and forced her into the back of a car lot. That is where she was raped.

"I'm still struggling with it day by day, but I'm getting better each day," Morris said.

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"I take it out on my kids,” Morris said. “I'm so overprotective. I have girls and I barely let them, well they are older now, but it was hard to just let them go anywhere and then I'm always with them or behind them, watching them."

Morris almost gave up hope with the justice system, but she never did.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Cold Case Sexual Assault Unit didn’t give up either.

A DNA hit led to McNear’s arrest and conviction.

"They stayed on it, so I thank them for it," Morris said.

McNear took a plea deal, which led to the sentencing.

Morris, now, said she feels free.

"I have been in prison for a long time and didn't really realize it, but I realize it now, after being here today and seeing the results, I feel like I'm released now, so I can move forward with my life now," Morris said.

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Cox Media Group