TAMPA — Kendrick Morris is a man of above average intelligence who regrets his teen crimes and is capable of living safely in society, two defense psychologists told a judge Thursday.
8 Months Ago
7 Months Ago
3 Months Ago
The two testified at a resentencing hearing for Morris, 25, who is serving a 65-year sentence for two brutal rapes in east Hillsborough County.
He barged into a Clair-Mel day care center in 2007 and held a woman at knifepoint. He attacked a teenage girl in 2008 outside the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, dragged her behind the building and left her blind and paralyzed.
He was 15 and 16 when he committed those crimes.
Thursday, he was in a Hillsborough courtroom, asking Hillsborough Circuit Judge Chet A. Tharpe to reduce his sentence.
Morris’ resentencing comes after a series of U.S. and Florida Supreme Court decisions declared it unconstitutional for defendants to be sentenced to life, or a similarly long term of years, for crimes committed as juveniles.
Berney Wilkinson, who examined Morris before his first sentence and again more recently, told of an abusive childhood. At one point, Morris was removed from his home by the Department of Children and Families.
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.
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. It was what motivated Morris to exert power and control over his victims.
In the courtroom, Morris appeared to become emotional as the psychologists described an abusive childhood.
Garbarino said the defendant became emotional when discussing the abuse but also when discussing his crimes, at times crying.
"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.
It was a far cry from the cold, indifferent youth from nearly a decade ago, the psychologist said.
As attorneys questioned both doctors, details about Morris’ life behind prison walls emerged. They noted that he had only three disciplinary reports early in his incarceration — for fighting, damaging a library book, and possessing tattoo equipment. Ever since, he has been a model inmate.
None of his misbehavior was sexual in nature, the doctors said.
His IQ was measured at 114, above average. He obtained a high school diploma in prison. 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.
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-30’s. Morris, he said, shows great promise.
The defense rested its case shortly before 2 p.m. The hearing was expected to continue through the afternoon with statements from the families of both of Morris’ victims.
Prosecutors are seeking a life sentence.
Follow @TimesDan on Twitter for live reports from the courtroom.
Contact Dan Sullivan at (813) 226-3386 or dsullivan@tampabay.com.
Our editors found this article on this site using Google and regenerated it for our readers.
