Kendrick Morris, convicted as a teen in a brutal 2008 assault that left a young woman permanently disabled, has been re-sentenced to life without parole. He had hoped for a reduced sentence following a 2021 Supreme Court ruling that juveniles should have a chance at parole—unless they’re deemed incapable of rehabilitation.

Now in his 30s, Morris and his legal team argued he had matured in prison. But the judge, citing the severity of the crime and its devastating impact on the victim, denied the appeal.

The attack happened outside a Florida library, where the victim, Queena Phu, was returning books. The assault left her unable to walk, talk, or see independently. Her family has since cared for her full-time and founded a nonprofit in her honor to support other survivors.

The victim’s sister called the ruling “bittersweet,” saying true justice remains elusive in a tragedy that changed lives forever. Morris, who also has a prior conviction from 2007, may be eligible to seek another sentence review in 2031—but his future remains uncertain.