Laura Di Biasi (born 1966) is an American nurse and radiographer, as well as a former ballerina based in New York City. She was forced to retire from dancing after she was robbed, beaten and sexually assaulted by a group of black men on the subway train. Having developed rape trauma syndrome (RTS), Di Biasi eventually acquired an unregistered firearm and trained extensively at the local shooting range, aiming for center mass and the groin.
In 1990, Di Biasi was accosted by two black men named Michael Mosket and Darnell Chenault. After Mosket asked if she wanted "a taste," Di Biasi was affected by RTS and shot both Mosket and Chenault; Mosket died from his injuries while in surgery, and Chenault became paralyzed from the waist down. Di Biasi was prosecuted for second-degree murder, reckless endangerment, and illegally carrying a concealed weapon. She was represented by public defender Shambala Green and prosecuted by Executive ADA Benjamin Stone and ADA Paul Robinette, with Stone fearing that vigilante killings will become more common if Di Biasi goes free.
Eventually, it was discovered that Di Biasi was sexually assaulted in the past, and Emily Donovan came forth testifying that both Mosket and Chenault were responsible for her rape in the past. Stone concluded that there was reasonable doubt about second-degree murder, successfully making a deal with Green that Di Biasi take a plea deal that she be guilty of reckless endangerment and illegally carrying a concealed weapon, though would not see jail time. Di Biasi was relieved, revealing to the media that she was glad that justice was served, thanking the prosecution for seeing it through.