19-year-old Kendrick Morris, who was 15 when the crime was committed, is on trial for raping a 62-year-old day care worker three years ago. TAMPA, Fla. -- For Kendrick Morris, things did not go as planned Thursday inside a Hillsborough County courtroom. Vuong suffered a traumatic brain injury that eliminated her ability to see, walk, speak or eat. [JAMES BORCHUCK | Times], Rays opt for experience, take TCU infielder Brayden Taylor in 1st round, Blue Jays draft Strawberry Crests Arjun Nimmala with No. "For my sister, the answer would be none," she said. Shortly after, the friend heard screams before the line cut off. A judge will decide Thursday whether he'll receive a reduced sentence, but his victim's family is asking for life in prison. Kendrick Morris was 15 and 16 when. Judge Chet A. Tharpe sentenced Morris to 65 years in 2011. . The Re-sentencing of Queena's Attacker Subscribe to our free DayStarter newsletter. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. A violent rapist who attacked an elderly woman and a high school senior when he was a teenager will be resentenced on Thursday in Hillsborough County court. During a resentencing hearing on Thursday morning, Hillsborough Circuit Judge Chet A. Tharpe said life sentences are the only appropriate sentences . She continues to need round-the-clock medical care., "To me, he's a murderer," said Queena's mother Vanna Nguyen. He is the same judge who sentenced Morris in 2011, when the law barred him from imposing a life sentence. "But I have to say, I think justice was served.". Vuong, an 18-year-old high school senior, was dragged behind the building, raped and nearly beaten to death. said her mother, Vanna Nguyen. During resentencing hearing on Thursday morning, Hillsborough Circuit Judge Chet A. Tharpe said a "life sentences are the only appropriate sentences in this case.". Vuong was an 18-year-old senior who was dropping off books at the library. Today, Kendrick Morris' victim cannot, walk, talk or see. Morris was convicted and sentenced to 65 years in prison for that crime and another rape. ( 2017 WTSP) Sentenced to life 23 years ago for a murder LaFountain was 16 at the time that he and two friends went to rob a Tampa man but one of the other teens shot and killed the victim. That night, she drove to the library to return books. The Supreme Court outlawed sentences that offered juveniles no meaningful chance of release. It was a far cry from the cold, indifferent youth from nearly a decade ago, the psychologist said. | Column, Florida Ag commissioner seeks to build more homes on rural Pasco land, What the Florida Gators want in $400 million renovation to The Swamp, FHP: Portion of State Road 70 closed in Highlands, DeSoto due to smoke and fog. Tharpe said he will pronounce a new sentence March 9. ", Defense attorneys had argued that Morris has shown remorse and can be rehabilitated., Supporters of Queena's family were in the courtroom Thursday wearing pink, Queena's favorite color, to show solidarity.. TAMPA Kendrick Morris, who became one of the Tampa Bay area's most notorious criminals nearly a decade ago after he viciously raped a young woman outside the Bloomingdale library, has been sentenced to life in prison. A decade later, she still works tirelessly in daily ther New book chronicles 10-year journey of attack survivor Queena, Ten Year Celebration Of Life Fundraiser Celebrates Queena's Journey. Bloomingdale Library attacker Kendrick Morris resentenced to - WFLA Doctors say Bloomingdale rapist Kendrick Morris could be rehabilitated Less than a year later, Morris, then 16, attacked Queena outside the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library. A series of U.S. and Florida Supreme Court decisions in recent years declared it unconstitutional to give lengthy sentences to defendants for crimes they committed as juveniles. [JAMES BORCHUCK | Times], Disgraced sports doctor Larry Nassar stabbed at Florida federal prison, Florida school boards will no longer get final say on book challenges, Tampa Bay schools grapple with evolving rules on book removals, Florida creates state-level appeal for school book challenges. Want more of our free, weekly newslettersinyourinbox? "These offenses are not attributable to transient immaturity," the judge said. He heard how he had raped a day care worker at knifepoint, how he had later done the same to a high school senior outside a library. They said that Queena is serving a life sentence of her own: she cant see, talk, or walk; she needs a lifetime of care and therapy; she sees close to twenty doctors. Kendrick Morris, who became one of the Tampa Bay area's most notorious criminals nearly a decade ago after he viciously raped a young woman outside the Bloomingdale library, will receive a new sentence Thursday morning. Kendrick Morris was just 16 when he attacked Queena. Kendrick Morris was originally sentenced to 65 years in prison for the crime, but appeared in court last month to request a lighter sentence. One of them, 18-year-old Queena Vuong, was beaten so badly that to this day she's blind, paralyzed and needs 24/7 care. In 2007, when Morris was just 15 years ago, prosecutors say h. "I had no idea what to expect, said Donato. Doctors who testified recently at a hearing told the judge Morris could be rehabilitated. Bloomingdale rapist Kendrick Morris could be granted early release Berney Wilkinson, an expert whod examined Kendrick during the first trial, stated that beatings from White left scars on Morris body. Never. Download this stock image: Kendrick Morris, center, who became one of the Tampa Bay area's most notorious criminals nearly a decade ago after he viciously raped a young woman outside the Bloomingdale library, has been sentenced to life in prison. On a weekly basis, Queena receives physical therapy with me in her home. "My heart breaks for him," said Anna Donato, whose sister was attacked at the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library. He's serving life in prison. ", Vuong remains paralyzed and blind as a result of the 2008 attack. Contact Dan Sullivan at dsullivan@tampabay.com or (813) 226-3386. Learn how you can help Attorneys for the state filed the lawsuit against the U.S. government Wednesday in federal court in Honolulu. Morris was 16 at the time, so recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings made him eligible for a sentence reduction hearing. The man convicted of raping and beating a high school student when he was a teenager himself has been sentenced to life in prison - again. Kendrick Morris listens to a psychologist testify during a resentencing hearing for two rapes he committed as a teenager. 2023 www.theledger.com. But Loffler, 24, knows that in less than 10 months, his time with her will be coming to an end. He was 16 when he brutally attacked and raped Vuong. Well deliver the latest news and information you need to know every morning. Morris was originally sentenced to 65 years in prison, though Tharpe had said he deserved more. Bay. That, doctors said, is an indicator that Morris could be rehabilitated. Morris and his lawyers were likely hoping for an outcome more along the lines of a resentencing case in February. A small Pinellas school offers affirmation, representation, hugs galore, See summer camp kids react to St. Petersburg art museums latest exhibit, Southwest states swelter under dangerous heat wave, South Tampa is getting an indoor golf bar, Top Tampa Bay area events for the week of July 10-16, St. Petersburg police: Arrest made in 2015 slaying of 16-year-old Lenny Acosta. In 2007, the then-15-year-old Morris broke into the Clair-Mel day center and raped an elderly woman at knifepoint. TAMPA For an entire morning, Kendrick Morris listened as a pair of doctors talked about how he is a man of above average intelligence, a survivor of childhood abuse, who regrets his teen crimes and is capable of living safely in society. A violent rapist who attacked an elderly woman and a high school senior when he was a teenager will be resentenced on Thursday in Hillsborough County court. Morris could get life in prison but only with the provision that his case will be reviewed in 20 years. "But I have to say, I think justice was served.". Contact Dan Sullivan at dsullivan@tampabay.com or (813) 226-3386. He would have given a life sentence, but the U.S. Supreme Court had barred life sentences for juveniles on trial for non-homicide offenses. Copyright 2017 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Kendrick Morris to be resentenced on Thursday - YouTube Queena told a friend via the phone that shed seen a weird guy at the library. Convicted rapist Kendrick Morris granted re-sentencing | The Rickman Law Firm Convicted rapist Kendrick Morris granted re-sentencing FOX 13 News, Tampa Bay - Feb 17, 2016 Attorney Anthony Rickman said, because Florida has new sentencing guidelines, Morris could also face more time in prison. The doctors also spoke of Morris' abusive childhood. Kendrick Morris Requests Early Release From Court. Fast forward to eight months later, this same boy attacked one Queena Vuong, 18 at the time, just outside the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library. Though she wasn't in court, nine of Queena's friends and family members spoke for her. Now, Morris could have his sentence reduced, but a U.S. Supreme Court decision says sentencing juveniles to life or lengthy sentencesin prison is cruel and unusual punishment. He said Morris' brain had developed over the years, and considered him to be capable of rehabilitation. He has previously declined to discuss his relationship with Morris or Morris' mother. Convicted rapist Kendrick Morris seeks resentencing Author: Eric Glasser . When the hearing ended, Peters and Donato embraced. "But I believe the sentence was just. Queena with her journey, Show Queena your support! ", Nguyen said her daughter received a life sentence and he should too., "Right now, her life is not my Queena before. Reporter Dan Sullivan has the latest, live from the hearing. He obtained a high school diploma in prison. Letsgetstarted. Two life sentences-- one in a prison cell, the other in her own body. Morris will be able to have a sentence reviewed again in 2031. The Department of Children and Families once removed Kendrick from his parents residence due to the abuse. He was sentenced to 65 years in prison, but a Supreme Court ruling has allowed Morris the chance at a new trial. Tharpe noted that life sentences are intended to be reserved for only the most horrifying of crimes. Two teens and their families, sitting on opposite sides of the courtroom, would find out if the law would work in their favor. I believe justice was served. According to the law, the judge could shorten or lengthen Morris's sentence. A couple of weeks ago, Nicholas Lindsey, who had been convicted of murdering St. Petersburg Police officer Dave Crawford, sought a reduction. New Court Rule Could See Violent Rapist Kendrick Morris Released, While Morris gave her a life sentence, they told Circuit Judge Chet A. Tharpe. He's returning to the Tampa Bay area with Brain Candy Live, a new science-based stage show he created with Michael Stevens, host of the popular YouTube science show Vsauce. Both prosecutors and Fountain's defense lawyers decided 23 years had been long enough. Kendrick Morris was just 16 when he attacked Queena. |NOW| Judge: If ever a case cried out for a life sentence, this is ithttps://t.co/q7aHWAPNPXpic.twitter.com/T9RfBLhyRd, CarsonChambers(@CarsonChambers)March 9, 2017. She said: My heart breaks for him. Morris came before the judge a second time because of evolving court decisions that chiseled away at old laws governing how juveniles convicted of serious crimes can be sentenced. Thorpse said his decision was based on the "heinous nature of the crimes and is allowed under Supreme Court rule. Morris was 16 when he committed the sexual assault. TEENAGE Rapist resentenced to LIFE in prison | Lipstick Alley As hate crimes rise across the United States, community leaders plan to hold a "Love Lives Here" event Thursday evening at the Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg to stand in solidarity with those who have been targeted by such acts. I believe that justice was served, said Anna Donato, Queenas sister and caretaker. Morris stood silently beside his public defender throughout the 40-minute hearing. Ever since, he has stayed out of serious trouble. http://www.wtsp.com/news/convicted-rapist-kendrick-morris-seeks-resentencing/406478548. This is in addition to other services including, but Tampa Bay Times We forgive him and we have compassion for him, but that does not mean we think he should be out of prison.". It isn't final, and won't be official until after 4 p.m., but multiple national reports have the Bucs finalizing a deal to sign Pro Bowl receiver DeSean Jackson, adding a proven playmaker to Jameis Winston's passing game. A simple trip to the library turned into hell for Queena Phu when Kendrick Morris crossed her path. Floyd LaFountain, who was 16 at the time, was with a couple of friends when they robbed and killed a Tampa man. I believe that the sentence was just.

Kendrick Morris listens to a psychologist testify during his February resentencing hearing for two rapes he committed as a teenager. "But I have to think about what I did first.". The judge also cited ongoing behavioral issues for Morris behind bars, and said he could see no reason to believe Morris would ever be rehabilitated. |NOW| Victim Queena's sister weeps after judge resentences Kendrick Morris to life ~ still she says this is not a joyous day @abcactionnews pic.twitter.com/fGWikc3NQA. But Tharpe questioned the extent to which Morris may have matured in prison. Kendrick Morris was 15 and 16 when he committed the crimes against two Bay area women. The law had changed since Kendricks sentencing, giving judges the power to sentence juveniles to life. These crimes were particularly atrocious and cruel.. Her sister, Anna Donato, asked Morris how many steps he has taken since 2008, how many meals he has consumed, how many books he has read. The Florida Supreme Court sided with Largo in a decision that found the city was not violating state law by accepting payments in lieu of taxes from a nonprofit organization. The court found it troubling that Kendrick was the sole participant in the crimes. Judge Tharpe stated that Kendrick had ten months to reflect on his first crime before deciding to rape and assault Queena. New rules may be coming for anglers. He was originally ordered to serve 65 years in prison, but an appeals court overturned that sentence, citing U.S. and Florida Supreme Court decisions that declared it unconstitutional to give juveniles lengthy punishments without a chance of release. Learn how you can help Morris's attorneys want Judge Tharpe to knock decades off his sentence arguing their client is a changed man. 20 overall selection. Kendrick Morris, 25, listens to a psychologist testify Thursday during his resentencing hearing for two rapes he committed as a teenager. Morris is now 25, with a high school diploma, an above average IQ, and an almost clean prison record. Kendrick Morris resentencing: Life in prison - Bay News 9 Today, Kendrick Morris' victim cannot, walk, talk or see. Savage says he regularly gets the quote sent to him as a meme on social media, so he knows he touched a nerve and was eager to talk about it. Violent rapist Kendrick Morris will be resentenced on Thursday in a Hillsborough County court. While Queena is a prisoner of her own body, blind and paralyzed. Well deliver the latest news and information you need to know every morning. He keeps her close during breaks between classes and makes sure she's running around and fed. by Chege Karomo - on Jun 08, 2022 in Crime A series of Supreme Court rulings gave Kendrick Morris an opportunity to leave prison earlier than he'd anticipated. One early morning that year, he forced his way into a Clair-Mel day care center, held an elderly woman at knifepoint and raped her. What he did to her was so terrifying that not even the judge could read her testimony without shuddering. Morris hoped to convince the judge that he deserved a second chance; the prosecution painted Morris as a man incapable of redemption, given the heinous nature of his crimes. The court said such offenders must be afforded a meaningful opportunity for release. "The answer over and over again is an evil, evil person. Kendrick Morris, 25, listens to a psychologist testify Thursday during his resentencing hearing for two rapes he committed as a teenager. News Convicted Bloomingdale rapist Kendrick Morris sentenced to life in prison Left to right, attorney Rocky Brancato, attorney Maria Pavlidis and Kendrick Morris, listen to the ruling of. |NOW| Judge Tharpe sentences twice rapist Kendrick Morris to *LIFE* sentence ~ previously serving 65 yrs https://t.co/q7aHWAPNPX pic.twitter.com/ePhWMjU0tg, CarsonChambers (@CarsonChambers) March 9, 2017. Tharpe said he needed time to examine the changes in the law before imposing a new sentence. Districts are debating the rules. RELATED: Convicted rapist Kendrick Morris granted re-sentencing This comes after a Supreme Court ruling from last year that determined lengthy sentences for juvenile offenders are unconstitutional . He was resentenced Thursday to life. Want to fish at Skyway Pier? Published March 9, 2017. 2023, Charter Communications, all rights reserved. Well deliver the latest news and information you need to know every morning. Morris reacted by exerting power and control over his victims. Check tampabay.com for more information. Kendrick Morris looks at his mom during a motion hearing in court in October 2010. Watch this FOX 13 video to learn who Attorney Rickman feels his sentence might be increased. He was granted the re-sentencing hearing after a . Morris was a teenager when hecommittedthe crime and was convicted and sentenced to 65 years in prison. Morris faces resentencing for a pair of rapes he committed in 2007 and 2008, when he was 15 and 16. "The court finds the defendant was the sole participant in these offenses," Tharpe said, "which the court finds very troubling.". Convicted Bloomingdale rapist Kendrick Morris sentenced to life in prison <p>Kendrick Morris listens to a psychologist testify during his February resentencing hearing for two rapes he committed as a teenager. She remains blind and paralyzed. Kendrick Morris, center, who became one of the Tampa Bay area's - Alamy This is in addition to other services including, but Tampa Bay Times He said Morris could have been just as intelligent at the time of the crimes. Queena'sfamily and friends packed half of the public gallery inside the courtroom. Kendrick Morris' story His life, crimes, and sentence detailed Garbarino opined that in his experience, it is impossible to assess whether juveniles are capable of rehabilitation until they are in at least their mid-30s. Convicted Bloomingdale rapist Morris sentenced to life in prison She said the life sentence would give closure to her sister and relief to her family from what has been a nerve-wracking experience. Download it here. Bloomingdale rapist Kendrick Morris sentenced to life - FOX 13 Tampa Bay However, authorities failed to protect Kendrick from two incidents of sexual assault, one involving a man and the other a woman. Before the same judge, Kendrick Morris listened, once again, to the details. Violent rapist Kendrick Morris will be resentenced on Thursday in a Hillsborough County court. We forgive him and we have compassion for him, but that does not mean we think he should be out of prison.. (Fox 13) A man in Florida who raped, beat and left a teen girl for dead outside a public library eight years ago asked for a shorter sentence -- but instead, the judge on Thursday sent him behind. "I want to say that it's a victory but it seems wrong to say that, said Donato. She goes with him to coffee shops while he studies. Furthermore, Morris mother, Lisa Stevens, watched as her son endured the torture. But the hearings offer no guarantees, as Morris found out the hard way. But because he was a juvenile when the crimes occurred, he became eligible for resentencing, thanks to changes in federal laws. It was what motivated Morris to exert power and control over his victims. Morris was convicted of the brutal 2008 assault and rape of Queena Phu outside the Bloomingdale library in Hillsborough County. A series of Supreme Court rulings gave Kendrick Morris an opportunity to leave prison earlier than hed anticipated. Violent rapist Kendrick Morris resentenced to life in prison PerABC News,more than half of the resentenced juveniles at the time had received harsher sentences from courts. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. "Based on how Read it on FOX 13 News, Tampa Bay This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. when it comes to the resentencing hearing for 25-year-old Kendrick Morris. Experts testified that Kendrick had an above-average IQ and had obtained his high school diploma in prison. In 2008, Kendrick Morris -- then 16 years old -- was convicted for a brutal rape that left a young woman blind and paralyzed for life.
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