Bloomingdale Library Rapist Resentenced To Life

TAMPA, FL — Kendrick Morris was 16 years old when he attacked, beat and brutally raped an 18-year-old girl outside the Bloomingdale Library, leaving her for dead. Considering his age at the time the crime was committed, the convicted rapist asked the court to reconsider the length of his sentence.

On Thursday, Hillsborough Circuit Judge Chet A. Tharpe did just that.

Morris’ original 65-year sentence was overturned in 2015 following a series of higher court decisions declaring it unconstitutional for especially long sentences to be handed down to people convicted of crimes they committed while under age.

Tharpe’s Thursday decision, however, wasn’t quite the leniency Morris was looking for.

“Life sentences are the only appropriate sentences in this case,” the Tampa Bay Times quoted Tharpe as saying during the resentencing hearing. Morris’ case won’t be eligible for sentencing review again until 2031. Until then, that 65-year sentence has officially become life.

See also: Bloomingdale Library Attack Survivor Celebrates Birthday

Queena, the victim of the April 2008 attack, came forward about five years after the crime to share her story and struggles via her own website, www.joinqueena.com. She was left blind and paralyzed following the attack, but continues to inspire others by sharing her journey online.

“My name is Queena and I’m a survivor,” the website’s homepage reads. “Many have followed my story over the years and have come to know me as the Bloomingdale Library Survivor.”

Queena says people's “prayers, donations and support” have provided her and her family comfort over the years; something she’s thankful for.

Thursday’s decision wasn’t a victory Queena’s sister Anna Donato told the Times. Rather, “justice was served.”

Morris, now 25, was being held in the Hillsborough County Jail prior to Thursday’s resentencing hearing.

Booking photo courtesy of the Hillsborough County Jail