Herring admitted to violently attacking Jennifer Racette by binding her with zip ties and duct tape as well as choking her and driving her to a secluded spot on the Anchorage Hillside where he raped her multiple times.
Racette, now Herring's ex-wife, said the event has changed her so much she now lives with constant fear. She's learned how to use a gun, and gotten a pit bull and an alarm system for her home.
"I am now scared of the dark. I leave a trail of lights left behind me. I'm afraid of shadows of John Brian lurking outside, waiting to attack me again even though he's in jail." Racette said.
Racette gave Channel 2 permission to use her name and image for this story, although it’s typically station policy not to release the names of rape victims.
Herring apologized to Racette before being sentenced.
"I just need to say I'm so sorry Jen. I'm so sorry. I'm sorry to your brother, and your dad and I'm so sorry. This shouldn't have happened," Herring said while crying. "I can never forgive myself for what I've done."
Contact Rebecca Palsha at rpalsha@ktuu.com
