"He killed her life. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. Morris was convicted of the brutal 2008 assault and rape of Queena Phu outside the Bloomingdale library in Hillsborough County. "If ever there was a case that cried out for a life sentence, this is the case, said Tharpe. But Loffler, 24, knows that in less than 10 months, his time with her will be coming to an end. I have come to accept our situation, but I will never accept letting this person go free ever. On a weekly basis, Queena receives physical therapy with me in her home. Thorpse said his decision was based on the "heinous nature of the crimes and is allowed under Supreme Court rule. We forgive him and we have compassion for him, but that does not mean we think he should be out of prison.". Kendrick Morris was convicted of the crime. He was sentenced to 65 years in prison, but a Supreme Court ruling has allowed Morris the chance at a new trial. 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. Kendrick Morris was originally sentenced to 65 years in prison for the crime, but appeared in court last month to request a lighter sentence. Kendrick Morris was just 16 when he attacked Queena. Queena'sfamily and friends packed half of the public gallery inside the courtroom. 2023 www.theledger.com. Kendrick Morris, 25, listens to a psychologist testify Thursday during his resentencing hearing for two rapes he committed as a teenager. If ever there was a case they cried out for a life sentence, this is the case, said Tharpe. Across Florida, close to 300 inmates convicted as teens, suddenly became eligible for new sentences. Morris faces resentencing for a pair of rapes he committed in 2007 and 2008, when he was 15 and 16. Download it here. Less than a year later, Morris, then 16, attacked Queena outside the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library. In 2007, when Morris was just 15 years ago, prosecutors say h. A simple trip to the library turned into hell for Queena Phu when Kendrick Morris crossed her path. Written by: Ernest Hooper Over the last 10 years, the community has followed Queenas story. He keeps her close during breaks between classes and makes sure she's running around and fed. , Example video title will go here for this video. He was resentenced Thursday to life. Hawaii has become the first state to file a lawsuit against President Donald Trump's revised travel ban, saying the order will harm its Muslim population, tourism and foreign students. Kendrick Morris was sentenced to 65 years in prison in 2011 for raping two women, including then teenager Queena Vuong outside the Bloomingdale Library. |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. Bloomingdale, FL - A 2016 Supreme Court decision could allow violent rapist Kendrick Morris to be released early from his 65-year prison sentence while his victim remains blind and paralyzed for life. Berney Wilkinson, an expert whod examined Kendrick during the first trial, stated that beatings from White left scars on Morris body. "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. The last time Morris was here, the judge's hands were tied. He noted the 10 months that elapsed between the two crimes, time in which Morris could have reflected on what he had done. The man convicted of brutally raping a high school senior in 2008 will be resentenced in March. 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. They will be at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg on March 15. According to Fox13News, Morris, 25, appeared in court on Thursday, February 9, 2017, to ask that his sentence be reduced. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Ten months later, he attacked Queena Vuong outside the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library. Garbarino said that Kendrick had lost the indifference he had during the first trial. They began in 2007, when Morris was just 15. 20 overall selection. "That was thoughtful, that was reasoned, and that was planned.". Morris was originally sentenced to 65 years, but an appeals court overturned the sentence. Both prosecutors and Fountain's defense lawyers decided 23 years had been long enough. Concerns about the safety of nearby residents, consistency with the county's master plan for growth and other issues could derail a plan by two Tampa residents who want to build a gun range south of Brooksville. Berney Wilkinson, who examined Morris before his first sentence and again more recently, said Morris lived in fear of his stepfather, former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Steve White, and told of abusive punishments, including beatings that left scars on his body, the expert said. 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. "It's not a joyous moment in any sense for us. He has previously declined to discuss his relationship with Morris or Morris' mother. She left last week and took a job in the Office of Statewide Prosecution, but returned to court for the hearing. 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. On Thursday, the judge in the original sentencing, Judge Chet Tharpe, sentenced Morris to life in prison with a sentencing review in 2031. Kendrick Morris was just 16 when he attacked Queena. He used the three prison violations as evidence of Morris inability to follow the rules. 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. This is in addition to other services including, but Tampa Bay Times But, in the end, you know, both lives are now sentenced to life, said Donato, And it's just such a sad and unfortunate situation for everybody involved. I want to say its a victory, but it seems wrong to say that,.Donato said. The Kendrick Morris Story. Tharpe pointed to prison disciplinary violations, citing them as evidence that Morris continues to struggle following rules. 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. Kendrick Morris, 25, listens to a psychologist testify Thursday during his resentencing hearing for two rapes he committed as a teenager. 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. The doctors also spoke of Morris' abusive childhood. What he did to her was so terrifying that not even the judge could read her testimony without shuddering. Her sister, Anna Donato, says Queena is aware of what is happening and that none of them wants Morris to receive a sentence reduction. Today Morris' attorneys rolled the dice for less. A series of U.S. and Florida Supreme Court decisions barred terms that leave juveniles no meaningful chance of release. Want more of our free, weekly newslettersinyourinbox? The Supreme Court outlawed sentences that offered juveniles no meaningful chance of release. She goes with him to coffee shops while he studies. She expresses with facial expressions and sounds, yelling out, crying,her sister, Anna Donato, said. The court recently opened the door to resentencing hearings for prisoners who committed their crimes as juveniles, deeming their lengthy sentences unconstitutional. Morris was originally sentenced to 65 years in prison, though Tharpe had said he deserved more. Queena with her journey, Show Queena your support! Districts are debating the rules. Tampa Bay Times photo</p> Author: WTSP Staff. Morris was convicted and sentenced to 65 years in prison for that crime and another rape. 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 he said at the time, "if ever there was a case that cried out for a life sentence, this is the case.". Prosecutors echoed the judge's past comments Thursday. 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. She continues to need round-the-clock medical care., "To me, he's a murderer," said Queena's mother Vanna Nguyen. Attorneys for the state filed the lawsuit against the U.S. government Wednesday in federal court in Honolulu. 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. Get notified on your phone in the morning with the latest forecast and news to start your day. At a hearing last month, the victim's friends and family members spoke of the crime's devastating and lasting impact. ", Meanwhile, Vuong's family is dealing with what they call Queena's "life sentence. In 2007, the then-15-year-old Morris broke into the Clair-Mel day center and raped an elderly woman at knifepoint. 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. 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. When Morris was first sentenced in 2011, the U.S. Supreme Court had barred life sentences for defendants who were juveniles when they committed nonhomicide offenses. No, that doesnt mean we shouldnt give them to Ukraine | Column, Top Tampa Bay area events for the week of July 10-16, Florida pensions for police, firefighters get sweeter, costing counties, DeSantis presidential campaign, chasing Trump, cuts several staffers, Possible carbon monoxide exposure at Florida prison sends 5 to hospital, Hit-and-run on Gandy Bridge leaves motorcyclist with serious injuries, DeSantis campaign entered July with $12 million on hand, records show, Several hurt when driver crashes into St. Petersburg apartment building, Tarpon Springs police officer dies while off duty, Pinellas licensing board rejects Sen. Jack Latvala's plan, and he's not happy about it. TAMPA In the same spot where he stood six years ago, the Bloomingdale rapist raised his chin and closed his eyes. That, doctors said, is an indicator that Morris could be rehabilitated. "I am trying to learn to like myself," he wrote in prison. Tharpe said he will pronounce a new sentence March 9. Morris' first sentence, and an appeal, had come in the middle of all that. |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. But a resentencing hearing can be a gamble. He said Morris could have been just as intelligent at the time of the crimes. News. Next to her was Mike Sinacore, another of the case's original prosecutors. It was what motivated Morris to exert power and control over his victims. She said the life sentence would give closure to her sister and relief to her family from what has been a nerve-wracking experience. Morris faces resentencing for a pair of rapes he committed in 2007 and 2008, when he was 15 and 16. 2023 FOX Television Stations, Python with record-breaking 111 eggs removed from Everglades, HCSO deputy arrested for DUI after rear-ending stopped car, Arrest of suspected New York serial killer hits close to home for Clearwater woman, 2 kids and 13 animals removed from Citrus County home covered in feces, urine and debris, Sweet Dog Tampa officially opens its doors, Sarasota teen who survived a gunshot to the head recovering at home, Alabama woman who vanished after reporting child on side of interstate found safe, Three injured after car crashes into St. Pete apartment building, Motorcyclist suffers serious injures in hit-and-run crash on Gandy Bridge, Tampa restaurants and non-profit team up to create more oyster habitats. 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. Two years ago, Adam Savage of the hit show MythBusters said: "If you want the kids' test scores up, bring back band and bring back shop and get kids actually learning stuff instead of teaching them how to take a test." 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. TAMPA (FOX 13) - The man who raped, beat and left a teen girl for dead outside a public library seven years ago has been granted a re-sentencing trial. Morris, who brutally raped a young woman outside the Bloomingdale library, was resentenced to life in prison. Unlike LaFountain, Tharpe said Morris acted alone when he raped, beat and left Queena Phu for dead. If ever there was a case that cried out for a life sentence, this is the case,Judge Tharpe said. He said Morris' brain had developed over the years, and considered him to be capable of rehabilitation. "For my sister, the answer would be none," she said. When the hearing ended, Peters and Donato embraced. 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. 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? Her friend heard screams before the line disconnected. TAMPA, Fla. -- For Kendrick Morris, things did not go as planned Thursday inside a Hillsborough County courtroom. 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 was 15 and 16 when he committed the crimes against two Bay area women. [JAMES BORCHUCK | Times], Rays opt for experience, take TCU infielder Brayden Taylor in 1st round, Blue Jays draft Strawberry Crests Arjun Nimmala with No. 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. Follow @TimesDan. Kendrick dragged Vuong behind the building, raped her, and beat her to within an inch of her life. . A couple of weeks ago, Nicholas Lindsey, who had been convicted of murdering St. Petersburg Police officer Dave Crawford, sought a reduction. He obtained a high school diploma in prison. She recalled seeing Queena in the hospital, her face swollen, bones broken, asking with her last words before her injuries silenced her if they had caught her attacker. 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. Subscribe to our free DayStarter newsletter. Wilkinson recounted a memory in which White broke all of Kendricks Christmas toys as punishment for poor performances in school. 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. None of his misbehavior was sexual in nature, the doctors said. Today, Kendrick Morris' victim cannot, walk, talk or see. 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. 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 and his lawyers were likely hoping for an outcome more along the lines of a resentencing case in February. It was a bittersweet decision for Queenas family. 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. Letsgetstarted. RELATED | Bloomingdale library rapist Kendrick Morris to be resentenced on March 9th. Contact Dan Sullivan at dsullivan@tampabay.com or (813) 226-3386. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. "We do not accept excuses and we do not feel sorry for those who rape and assault innocent people.". Follow @TimesDan. Tharpe said he needed time to examine the changes in the law before imposing a new sentence. They spoke of her continued 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. DNA linked Morris to the crime and another rape that occurred 10 months earlier. It gave juvenile convicts like Kendrick a chance to have their sentences reduced but the signs appeared ominous for him. 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. "But I believe the sentence was just. In that case, a 62-year-old worker at a Clair-Mel day care was attacked as she opened the business. Hillsborough Circuit Judge Chet Tharpe gave Morris, 25, a life sentence Thursday for a pair of brutal rapes he committed at ages 15 and 16. Two life sentences-- one in a prison cell, the other in her own body. Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. Morris was 15 when he raped a 62-year-old daycare worker. Morris is now 25. While it opens the door for a possible sentence reduction, it's not guaranteed. "We forgive him and we have compassion for him but that does not mean we believe he should be out of prison.. Shortly after, the friend heard screams before the line cut off. Left to right, attorney Rocky Brancato, attorney Maria Pavlidis and Kendrick Morris, listen to the ruling of Hillsborough Circuit Judge Chet A. Tharpe during a resentencing hearing on Thursday, March 9, 2017. 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. Morris was hoping for a sentence reduction, instead he got life in prison. The new law also provides that juveniles sentenced to life must have their cases reviewed after a specified number of years. Sometime in 2007, a 15-year-old boy broke into a day center and raped an older woman at gunpoint. Morris will be able to have a sentence reviewed again in 2031. He had been a model citizen behind bars. "But I have to think about what I did first.". Send her words of enouragement. "I can honestly say, Mr. Morris has shown tremendous remorse in this case," said attorney Maria Pavlidis. Published March 9, 2017. Using the same Supreme Court ruling, Morris' attorneys have asked for a resentencing hearing, hoping to knock decades off his 65-year sentence. Morris gave her a life sentence, they told Circuit Judge Chet A. Tharpe. Never. I have come to accept our situation, but I will never accept letting this person go free.". Before the same judge, Kendrick Morris listened, once again, to the details. And, they said, he doesn't deserve anything less. Kendrick Morris is now eligible for re-sentencing, related to the violent rape and beating of a woman 7 years ago. 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. 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. He is a voracious reader, and uses the stories of writers like Nicholas Sparks to think about his own life and behavior, according to testimony. Morris reacted by exerting power and control over his victims. Furthermore, Morris mother, Lisa Stevens, watched as her son endured the torture. 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. The victim was an 18-year-old high school senior on April 24, 2008, readying to graduate and attend college. TAMPA (FOX 13) - The man who raped, beat and left a teen girl for dead outside a public library seven years ago has been granted a re-sentencing trial. 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. 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? Floyd LaFountain, who was 16 at the time, was with a couple of friends when they robbed and killed a Tampa man. 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. Kendrick Morris was sentenced to 65 years in prison in 2011 for raping two women, including then teenager Queena Vuong outside the Bloomingdale Library. Queena with her journey, Show Queena your support! Times senior news researcher John Martin contributed to this report. A judge will decide Thursday whether he'll receive a reduced sentence, but his victim's family is asking for life in prison. Morris was convicted of the brutal 2008 assault and rape of Queena Phu outside the Bloomingdale library in Hillsborough County. Learn how you can help He's serving life in prison. 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. 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. "These offenses are not attributable to transient immaturity," the judge said. Which books belong in Florida schools? ", 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.. Check tampabay.com for more information. 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. Well deliver the latest news and information you need to know every morning. He dragged the 18-year-old high school senior behind the building, raped her, and beat her so severely she was left permanently disabled. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. They also never tried to assess his sexual proclivities. Watch this FOX 13 video to learn who Attorney Rickman feels his sentence might be increased. "But I have to say, I think justice was served.". 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. Vuongs loved ones referred to Kendrick as a monster who took away her life and future. It was a far cry from the cold, indifferent youth from nearly a decade ago, the psychologist said. New rules may be coming for anglers. [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. A psychiatrist testified in court Thursday in Morris's defense. During a resentencing hearing on Thursday morning, Hillsborough Circuit Judge Chet A. Tharpe said life sentences are the only appropriate sentences . Prosecutors recounted the brutality of Morris' crimes. According to the Florida Juvenile Resentencing and Review Projectat Florida International University, more than 2 dozen juvenile offenders in Florida have already been re-sentenced since the high court's ruling and more than half have gotten life terms. Morris was a teenager when he committed the crime and was convicted and sentenced to 65 years in prison. They reported Morris now has an above-average level of intelligence and is a voracious reader. 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. She said: My heart breaks for him. Tharpe noted that life sentences are intended to be reserved for only the most horrifying of crimes. 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. Judge ChetTharpe, who originally sentenced Kendrick Morris in 2011 to 65 years in prison, has sentenced him to life in prison on Thursday. His IQ was measured at 114, above average. Morris was originally sentenced to 65 years, but an. At one point, Morris was removed from his home by the Department of Children and Families. Morris stood silently beside his public defender throughout the 40-minute hearing. Garbarino said it was too early for him to conclude that Morris was capable of rehabilitation, but Kendrick showed immense promise. http://www.wtsp.com/news/convicted-rapist-kendrick-morris-seeks-resentencing/406478548. QueenaVuong, the victim who then 16-year-old Morris smashed in her skull and raped, isnow blinded and paralyzed. The latest news and developments to help you get ready for the day ahead. The abuse was compounded by the fact that Morris' mother, Lisa Stevens, did little to stop the punishments, according to testimony. FOX 13 Tampa Bay. It's hard not to want to spend all his time with the 5-month-old female yellow lab with inquisitive chestnut eyes. Contact Dan Sullivan at dsullivan@tampabay.com or (813) 226-3386. While Queena is a prisoner of her own body, blind and paralyzed. Nearly a decade since his crime, Morris, now 25, appeared in court Thursday to ask for a lesser sentence. At Morriss original trial and sentencing Tharpe told Morris if the law had not set limits, he would have given him life in prison. Kendrick Morris was sentenced to 65 years in prison in 2011 for raping two women, including then teenager Queena Vuong outside the Bloomingdale Library..Kendrick Morris listens to a psychologist testify during his February resentencing hearing for two rapes he committed as a teenager. 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. Attorney Anthony Rickman said, because Florida has new sentencing guidelines, Morris could also face more time in prison. 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. | 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. Not this time. He was sentenced to 65 years in prison, but a Supreme Court ruling has allowed Morris the chance at a new trial. 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. "Based on how heinous this crime is, based on the lives that he affected, not just this poor girl that was brutalized, but also her family, I would be surprised if he gets sentenced to life in prison,"Rickmansaid. She remains blind and paralyzed. Prosecutors were expected to read about a dozen victim impact letters written to the court on Queena's behalf. In 2008, Kendrick Morris -- then 16 years old -- was convicted for a brutal rape that left a young woman blind and paralyzed for life. 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. Queena told a friend via the phone that shed seen a weird guy at the library.