TAMPA FL – Those who came into contact with Kendrick Morris in the hours after a teenage girl was raped and beaten outside a public library said they saw no indications Morris had been involved in a violent confrontation.
Not the woman who served Morris two value meals at McDonald’s. Not the taxi driver who picked him up at a Walmart and not the neighbor with whom Morris stayed that night. They all testified today that Morris had no visible injuries, had no blood or other stains on his clothing and was not reeking of sweat from a physical encounter.
They were among the witnesses Morris’ lawyers called in his defense. Prosecutors finished their four days of testimony Monday. Closing arguments are scheduled for Wednesday.
Morris, 19, is accused of raping the girl as she dropped off books at the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library in April 2008. He could face up to life in prison if convicted of sexual battery, kidnapping and aggravated battery.
He also faces up to life behind bars after being convicted last month of raping a 62-year-old day care worker in Clair-Mel City in June 2007.
Morris did not testify at either trial. The DNA evidence is not completely conclusive.
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