It also required that juveniles have their cases reviewed after several years. Shortly after, the friend heard screams before the line cut off. They noted the law, which has since been rewritten, now allows for Morris, now 25, to get life in prison with the provision that his case will be reviewed in 20 years. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. "I want to say that it's a victory but it seems wrong to say that, said Donato. The court said such offenders must be afforded a meaningful opportunity for release. The Supreme Court outlawed sentences that offered juveniles no meaningful chance of release. Kendrick Morris was just 16 when he attacked Queena. He dragged the 18-year-old high school senior behind the building, raped her, and beat her so severely she was left permanently disabled. RELATED | Bloomingdale library rapist Kendrick Morris to be resentenced on March 9th. |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. ", Vuong remains paralyzed and blind as a result of the 2008 attack. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Kendrick Morris was sentenced to 65 years in prison in 2011 for raping two women, including then teenager Queena Vuong outside the Bloomingdale Library.. Doctors who testified recently at a hearing told the judge Morris could be rehabilitated. Attorneys for the state filed the lawsuit against the U.S. government Wednesday in federal court in Honolulu. But Tharpe questioned the extent to which Morris may have matured in prison. Want to fish at Skyway Pier? Prosecutors were expected to read about a dozen victim impact letters written to the court on Queena's behalf. A couple of weeks ago, Nicholas Lindsey, who had been convicted of murdering St. Petersburg Police officer Dave Crawford, sought a reduction. Violent rapist Kendrick Morris will be resentenced on Thursday in a Hillsborough County court. Vuongs loved ones referred to Kendrick as a monster who took away her life and future. Well deliver the latest news and information you need to know every morning. 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. But at the time, Tharpe said, "if ever there was a case that cried out for a life sentence, this is the case.". Well deliver the latest news and information you need to know every morning. Morris also told the doctor about two incidents of sexual abuse he endured at the hands of people he knew, one a man, the other a woman. During resentencing hearing on Thursday morning, Hillsborough Circuit Judge Chet A. Tharpe said a "life sentences are the only appropriate sentences in this case.". Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. It started in 2007, when Morris, then 15, barged into a Clair-Mel day care center, held an elderly woman at knifepoint and raped her. Which books belong in Florida schools? But Loffler, 24, knows that in less than 10 months, his time with her will be coming to an end. Donato spoke briefly before a throng of TV cameras. His IQ was measured at 114, above average. Judge ChetTharpe, who originally sentenced Kendrick Morris in 2011 to 65 years in prison, has sentenced him to life in prison on Thursday. Morris could get life in prison but only with the provision that his case will be reviewed in 20 years. Kendrick Morris resentencing: Life in prison - Bay News 9 Ten months later, he attacked Queena Vuong outside the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library. [JAMES BORCHUCK | Times], Rays opt for experience, take TCU infielder Brayden Taylor in 1st round, Blue Jays draft Strawberry Crests Arjun Nimmala with No. On Thursday, no such agreement in Hillsborough County Court, when it comes to the resentencing hearing for 25-year-old Kendrick Morris. The resentencing comes after U.S. and Florida Supreme Court decisions that declared it unconstitutional to give juveniles lengthy punishments without a chance of release. 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. 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. He has previously declined to discuss his relationship with Morris or Morris' mother. They said he has expressed remorse for his crimes. "It's not a joyous moment in any sense for us. During a resentencing hearing on Thursday morning, Hillsborough Circuit Judge Chet A. Tharpe said life sentences are the only appropriate sentences . Before the same judge, Kendrick Morris listened, once again, to the details. We forgive him and we have compassion for him but that does not mean we believe he should be out of prison,Anna Donato said. 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. Doctors say Bloomingdale rapist Kendrick Morris could be rehabilitated He was granted the re-sentencing hearing after a . 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. Morris faces resentencing for a pair of rapes he committed in 2007 and 2008, when he was 15 and 16. But the same day, a parade of friends and relatives of Queena, the Bloomingdale victim, spoke of her continuing struggles the dozen doctors she sees regularly, the constant medical care she requires, her inability to speak or move or enjoy life the way she used to. The latest news and developments to help you get ready for the day ahead. Send her words of enouragement. He was resentenced Thursday to life. Kendrick Morris Requests Early Release From Court. Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. Kendrick Morris' horrible crime | He left her unable to - Facebook Then, in the afternoon, came the parade of tearful friends and relatives of a young woman that Morris raped outside a Bloomingdale library nine years ago. It gave juvenile convicts like Kendrick a chance to have their sentences reduced but the signs appeared ominous for him. Morris was originally ordered to serve 65 years in prison, but that sentence was overturned in 2015. Author: Eric Glasser . Experts testified that Kendrick had an above-average IQ and had obtained his high school diploma in prison. . 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. "I think Kendrick shows a recognition of the crimes he committed to the point that it's hard for him to look at it," Garbarino said. He was sentenced to 65 years in prison, but a Supreme Court ruling has allowed Morris the chance at a new trial. According to the law, the judge could shorten or lengthen Morris's sentence. I believe that justice was served, said Anna Donato, Queenas sister and caretaker. Morris was originally sentenced to 65 years, but an. Send her words of enouragement. A week ago, it was a different outcome for Floyd LaFountain. This is in addition to other services including, but Tampa Bay Times Anthony Loffler is pretty much inseparable from Jennings these days. He said Morris could have been just as intelligent at the time of the crimes. "That was thoughtful, that was reasoned, and that was planned.". Ever since, he has stayed out of serious trouble. Tharpe noted that life sentences are intended to be reserved for only the most horrifying of crimes. "If ever there was a case that cried out for a life sentence, this is the case, said Tharpe. Convicted rapist Kendrick Morris resentenced to life | wtsp.com The latest news and developments to help you get ready for the day ahead. Following the defenses case, emotional friends and family of Queena Vuong spoke of the continuing struggles she faces and the specialists she sees regularly. Morris was a teenager when he committed the crime and was convicted and sentenced to 65 years in prison. Queena with her journey, Show Queena your support! Next to her was Mike Sinacore, another of the case's original prosecutors. Want more of our free, weekly newslettersinyourinbox? Her sister, Anna Donato, says Queena is aware of what is happening and that none of them wants Morris to receive a sentence reduction. Queena with her journey, Show Queena your support! I think Kendrick shows a recognition of the crimes he committed to the point that its hard for him to look at it,James Garbarino said. Garbarino said it was too early for him to conclude that Morris was capable of rehabilitation, but Kendrick showed immense promise. Queena told a friend via the phone that shed seen a weird guy at the library. Follow @TimesDan. Today, Kendrick Morris' victim cannot, walk, talk or see. 9 years later changes mean she not only could reduce, she could lengthen it. 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. Subscribe for more https://bit.ly/yt-upsocltheenigma See less Most relevant "But I have to say, I think justice was served.". . Morris was originally sentenced to 65 years, but an appeals court overturned the sentence. Contact Dan Sullivan at dsullivan@tampabay.com or (813) 226-3386. A simple trip to the library turned into hell for Queena Phu when Kendrick Morris crossed her path. At a hearing last month, a pair of forensic psychologists who had examined Morris reported that he has an above average level of intelligence, is a voracious reader, and uses books by writers such as Nicholas Sparks to reflect on his own life and behavior. Unlike LaFountain, Tharpe said Morris acted alone when he raped, beat and left Queena Phu for dead. Kendrick Morris was sentenced to 65 years in prison in 2011 for raping two women, including then teenager Queena Vuong outside the Bloomingdale Library. In Morris's case, instead of reducing the 65-year sentence, Tharpe cited more recent Florida law and increased the sentence to life behind bars. 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. Thorpse said his decision was based on the "heinous nature of the crimes and is allowed under Supreme Court rule. Prosecutors recounted the brutality of Morris' crimes. While Queena is a prisoner of her own body, blind and paralyzed. Wilkinson recounted a memory in which White broke all of Kendricks Christmas toys as punishment for poor performances in school. Rapist's request for shorter sentence backfires | Fox News She said the life sentence would give closure to her sister and relief to her family from what has been a nerve-wracking experience. If ever there was a case they cried out for a life sentence, this is the case, said Tharpe. Kendrick Morris was 15 and 16 when. The court dictated that such convicts get a meaningful opportunity for release. Kendrick Morris was convicted of the crime. Districts are debating the rules. A series of U.S. and Florida Supreme Court decisions barred terms that leave juveniles no meaningful chance of release. 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. Morris was 16 at the time, so recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings made him eligible for a sentence reduction hearing. Kendrick Morris is now eligible for re-sentencing, related to the violent rape and beating of a woman 7 years ago. That, doctors said, is an indicator that Morris could be rehabilitated.

Kendrick Morris listens to a psychologist testify during his February resentencing hearing for two rapes he committed as a teenager. FOX 13 Tampa Bay. 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. Times senior news researcher John Martin contributed to this report. 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. Never. Morris had been serving 65 years for the rape and beating of Queena Phu outside the Bloomingdale Library in 2008. "We forgive him and we have compassion for him but that does not mean we believe he should be out of prison.. Queena'sfamily and friends packed half of the public gallery inside the courtroom. Berney Wilkinson, an expert whod examined Kendrick during the first trial, stated that beatings from White left scars on Morris body. A series of Supreme Court rulings gave Kendrick Morris an opportunity to leave prison earlier than hed anticipated. Tharpe said he will pronounce a new sentence March 9. Heres what to know. Contact Dan Sullivan at dsullivan@tampabay.com or (813) 226-3386. "These crimes were particularly atrocious and cruel, said Judge Chet Tharpe. On Thursday, the judge in the original sentencing, Judge Chet Tharpe, sentenced Morris to life in prison with a sentencing review in 2031. As much as it hurt to hear the suggestion that Kendrick's brain has the ability to recover, rewire, and rehabilitate from the life of abuse he lived through as well as the abuse he administered to his victims, I couldn't help but hear what they were saying and see it as hope for Queena's brain. Staring at 65 years, Morris's lawyers apparently figured it was with rolling the dice for their client. The mass murderers heritage detailed, Cassandra Jones murder Everything you need to know, Elizabeth Knapps murder The search for her killer. Assistant State Attorney Rita Peters recounted the brutality of both crimes. Furthermore, the offenses were non-sexual in nature. Furthermore, Morris mother, Lisa Stevens, watched as her son endured the torture. "I had no idea what to expect, said Donato. 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. It's hard not to want to spend all his time with the 5-month-old female yellow lab with inquisitive chestnut eyes. We forgive him, and we have compassion for him, but that does not mean that we believe that he should be out of prison.. Garbarino said that Kendrick had lost the indifference he had during the first trial. "But I have to say, I think justice was served.". Morris was hoping for a sentence reduction, instead he got life in prison. The defense team noted that Kendrick had a nearly-clean disciplinary record in prison, with his three violations coming in the early parts of his sentence. Morris was a teenager when hecommittedthe crime and was convicted and sentenced to 65 years in prison. Morris was convicted and sentenced to 65 years in prison for that crime and another rape. 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. ", Nguyen said her daughter received a life sentence and he should too., "Right now, her life is not my Queena before. Convicted Bloomingdale rapist Morris sentenced to life in prison |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. The last time Morris was here, the judge's hands were tied. The Department of Children and Families once removed Kendrick from his parents residence due to the abuse. The Supreme Court outlawed sentences that offered juveniles no meaningful chance of release. But because he was a juvenile when the. Kendrick Morris looks at his mom during a motion hearing in court in October 2010. In 2007, the then-15-year-old Morris broke into the Clair-Mel day center and raped an elderly woman at knifepoint. While it opens the door for a possible sentence reduction, it's not guaranteed. According to Fox13News, Morris, 25, appeared in court on Thursday, February 9, 2017, to ask that his sentence be reduced. "But I believe the sentence was just. Get notified on your phone in the morning with the latest forecast and news to start your day. "For my sister, the answer would be none," she said. Every morning Jennings and Loffler, a senior at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg majoring in political science, wake up around 6:30 a.m. She sits with him through his classes. Somehow, he was able to get away with it. The judge said: These offenses are not attributable to transient immaturity. Disgraced sports doctor Larry Nassar stabbed at Florida federal prison, Yes, cluster munitions are awful. He keeps her close during breaks between classes and makes sure she's running around and fed. Download it here. Check tampabay.com for more information. Prosecutors echoed the judge's past comments Thursday. If ever there was a case that cried out for a life sentence, this is the case,Judge Tharpe said. They began in 2007, when Morris was just 15. Convicted rapist Kendrick Morris granted re-sentencing They will be at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg on March 15. Violent rapist Kendrick Morris will be resentenced on Thursday in a Hillsborough County court. "I want to say it's a victory, but it seems wrong to say that," said Anna Donato, the sister of the Bloomingdale victim. Across Florida, close to 300 inmates convicted as teens, suddenly became eligible for new sentences. "We do not accept excuses and we do not feel sorry for those who rape and assault innocent people.". The abuse was compounded by the fact that Morris' mother, Lisa Stevens, did little to stop the punishments, according to testimony. 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. Memoir of daughter's attack tells two stories of survival - ABC Action News 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. 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. Want more of our free, weekly newslettersinyourinbox? Two teens and their families, sitting on opposite sides of the courtroom, would find out if the law would work in their favor. Kendrick Morris was 15 and 16 when he committed the crimes against two Bay area women. Jun 17, 2011 Messages 17,615 Reactions 46,146 1,954 628 Alleybux 48,601 May 15, 2018 #2 Violent rapist Kendrick Morris resentenced to life in prison Judge Chet Tharpe, who originally sentenced Kendrick Morris in 2011 to 65 years in prison, has sentenced him to life in prison on Thursday. Since the Supreme Court ruling that allows juvenile offenders to seek a resentencing hearing if they received life terms or the equivalent, there has been a flurry of such cases in the Tampa Bay area. Judge Chet Tharpe, who originally sentenced Morris in 2011 to 65 years in prison, is the judge who will resentence Morris at 8:30am Thursday. Times staff writer Sharon Kennedy Wynne caught up with Savage and shares their conversation this morning on tampabay.com. Fast forward to eight months later, this same boy attacked one Queena Vuong, 18 at the time, just outside the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library. But the hearings offer no guarantees, as Morris found out the hard way. QueenaVuong, the victim who then 16-year-old Morris smashed in her skull and raped, isnow blinded and paralyzed. The law had changed since Kendricks sentencing, giving judges the power to sentence juveniles to life. 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. 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. TAMPA In the same spot where he stood six years ago, the Bloomingdale rapist raised his chin and closed his eyes. Kendrick Morris, 25, listens to a psychologist testify Thursday during his resentencing hearing for two rapes he committed as a teenager. TAMPA, Fla. -- For Kendrick Morris, things did not go as planned Thursday inside a Hillsborough County courtroom. At a hearing last month, the victim's friends and family members spoke of the crime's devastating and lasting impact. We forgive him and we have compassion for him, but that does not mean we think he should be out of prison.". He had been a model citizen behind bars. Written by: Ernest Hooper Over the last 10 years, the community has followed Queenas story. A look at Mikhaila Petersons life-changing diet, her husband and daughter, 6 TV Shows Like Doom Patrol With a Superhero Smorgasbord, What is Patrick Crusius ethnicity? Convicted rapist Kendrick Morris seeks resentencing Subscribe to our free DayStarter newsletter. To this day, Queena is blind, immobile, has to eat through a feeding tube, and is under the constant watch of family members and caretakers. In 2007, when Morris was just 15 years ago, prosecutors say h. He is the same judge who sentenced Morris in 2011, when the law barred him from imposing a life sentence. Using the same Supreme Court ruling, Morris' attorneys have asked for a resentencing hearing, hoping to knock decades off his 65-year sentence. House Republicans scored a pre-dawn triumph Thursday in their effort to scuttle former President Barack Obama's health care overhaul, but it masked deeper problems as hospitals, doctors and consumer groups mounted intensifying opposition to the GOP health care drive. TAMPA (FOX 13) - The man who raped, beat and left a teen girl for dead outside a public library eight years ago could be granted a reduced sentence next month, thanks to a Supreme Court decision. Tampa Bay Times photo

, One year since launch of 988, call volumes jump, Spring Hill woman gets 6 years in prison for attacking officers during the US Capitol attack, 10 Weather: Areas of storms likely Monday, Subtropical Depression Don may intensify slightly, become fully tropical system in next day or two. Both prosecutors and Fountain's defense lawyers decided 23 years had been long enough. 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. when it comes to the resentencing hearing for 25-year-old Kendrick Morris. Morris, who brutally raped a young woman outside the Bloomingdale library, was resentenced to life in prison. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Florida Juvenile Resentencing and Review Project. |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. Convicted rapist Kendrick Morris granted re-sentencing - FOX 13 Tampa Bay "These offenses are not attributable to transient immaturity," the judge said. The man who raped, beat and left a teen girl for dead outside a public library eight years ago could be granted a reduced sentence next month thanks to a Supreme Court decision. At Morriss original trial and sentencing Tharpe told Morris if the law had not set limits, he would have given him life in prison. On a weekly basis, Queena receives physical therapy with me in her home. Kendrick dragged Vuong behind the building, raped her, and beat her to within an inch of her life. Defense attorneys, while acknowledging the horror of Morris' crimes, said a life sentence would be a mistake. Kendrick Morris' story His life, crimes, and sentence detailed Tampa Bay Times photo</p> Author: WTSP Staff. All of the experiences made Morris feel as though he lacked power and control in his life, said James Garbarino, a professor of psychology at Loyola University Chicago. PerABC News,more than half of the resentenced juveniles at the time had received harsher sentences from courts. Nearly a decade since his crime, Morris, now 25, appeared in court Thursday to ask for a lesser sentence. "My heart breaks for him," said Anna Donato, whose sister was attacked at the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library. 20 overall selection. (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. The court recently opened the door to resentencing hearings for prisoners who committed their crimes as juveniles, deeming their lengthy sentences unconstitutional. Doctors say Bloomingdale rapist Kendrick Morris could be rehabilitated Prosecutors want a life sentence. St. Petersburgs Dali Museum opening experience in new dome this week, Farmers Insurance is leaving Florida in latest blow to homeowners, Pasco teacher who favors parental rights seeks school board seat, 10 Barbie-themed events happening in Tampa Bay this month, Ron DeSantis very gay ad: Who made this steaming pile?
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