KENOSHA, Wisconsin (20 August, 2024) – Chrystul Kizer, a Milwaukee woman who fired shot the man who sexually trafficked her as a teenager, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison, bringing an end to a six-year legal battle that tested the limits of legal protections for trafficking survivors. The case, which captured national attention, raised significant questions about how the justice system treats victims of sex trafficking who commit crimes in self-defense.
A Complicated Case of Self-Defense and Trafficking
In 2018, when Kizer was just 17, she shot and killed 34-year-old Randall Volar in his Kenosha home. Volar had been sexually abusing and trafficking Kizer, grooming her with money and gifts while filming the abuse. Despite being charged with first-degree intentional homicide, which could have led to a life sentence, Kizer ultimately accepted a plea deal, reducing her charge to second-degree reckless homicide with a dangerous weapon. This deal capped her sentence at 11 years, with an additional five years of extended supervision.
Kizer's case made headlines for its groundbreaking legal implications. It marked the first time in Wisconsin that a trafficking victim was allowed to use an "affirmative defense" in a homicide case. This defense, recognized in over 30 states, permits victims to argue that crimes they committed were a direct result of the abuse they endured. However, despite this defense, Kizer's guilty plea meant she could no longer use it as a means for absolution, but rather as a plea for mercy.
The Tragic Background and Controversial Sentence
The case has highlighted systemic failures in how law enforcement and the justice system handle cases involving trafficking victims. Prior to his death, Volar had been under investigation by the Kenosha Police Department for months, with evidence showing he was abusing multiple underage Black girls, including Kizer. Despite this, authorities allowed Volar to remain free, and his continued exploitation of Kizer ultimately led to his death.
Kizer’s attorney argued that her actions were in self-defense, as Volar had pinned her to the ground and attempted to initiate sexual contact before she shot him. However, prosecutors painted a different picture, suggesting that Kizer's actions were premeditated, citing text messages and social media posts as evidence.
The court’s decision to sentence Kizer to 11 years in prison has drawn criticism from advocates who argue that the justice system continues to fail trafficking victims. Claudine O’Leary, a survivor of human trafficking and advocate, expressed disappointment, stating that the courts still do not fully embrace a trauma-informed approach to justice. Sarah Bendtsen, of Shared Hope International, echoed these sentiments, noting that Kizer's case is emblematic of the broader struggle trafficking victims face within the legal system.
Impact on Future Cases
Kizer’s case has set a precedent in Wisconsin and brought attention to the complexities of survivor trauma in the legal process. While some believe the case has raised awareness and could lead to more compassionate handling of similar cases in the future, others remain concerned that the sentence sends a chilling message to other victims.
Kizer, who has already served over a year and a half of her sentence, will be in her mid-30s when she is released. Despite her difficult past, she expressed a desire to move forward and build a better future. Her case remains a powerful reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by trafficking survivors in seeking justice.
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This ruling, while closing one chapter, continues to spark discussions about how the justice system should treat survivors who have been pushed to commit crimes out of desperation and fear.
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