Kendrick Morris' attorneys want new trial because of Facebook comments

TAMPA - Kendrick Morris was found guilty of beating and raping a young woman at the Bloomingdale Library in 2008. Jurors took less than an hour to reach their decision back on October 6.

But Morris’ attorneys say the jury foreman posted comments about the case on her Facebook page and they are asking a judge for a retrial. Circuit Judge Chet A. Tharpe is expected to address the issue on his docket Thursday morning.

Prosecutors argued witnesses and DNA evidence proves Morris committed the crime that left the teen permanently disabled. The victim was raped and beaten so badly, she cannot see, walk, talk or eat on her own. Her family says she’ll need a lifetime of care.

In the state's closing argument, the state told jurors a witness remembered seeing Morris alone on a bench at the Bloomingdale Regional Library on April 24, 2008.

He pointed out the victim's blood was found on four different places on Morris' jacket according to DNA testing.