Chrystul Kizer, who was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was sexually molested and trafficked to other men for sex at the age of 16. Randy Volar, 34, had been implicated in the exploitation of approximately a dozen minor girls, including Kizer. Kizer was charged with first-degree intentional homicide, which carried the prospect of life imprisonment. In 2022, the Wisconsin Supreme Court determined that Kizer could employ an "affirmative defense" under state law, allowing her to present proof of her abuse at trial. Despite this, Kizer accepted a plea agreement and was sentenced to 11 years in jail, followed by five years of extended supervision. Her case received extensive attention from activists and groups that advocate for victims' rights and against human trafficking. As part of her punishment, Kizer must provide a DNA sample and attend a reparations court.
Chrystul Kizer. Autographed Letter, Signed. Handwritten, Commercial #10 (4.125 × 9.5 envelope). Milwaukee, WI. September 27, 2024. Content unknown. SEALED.
Detailed Report on Chrystul Kizer
Background
Chrystul Kizer, a young Black woman from Kenosha, Wisconsin, became widely known due to her involvement in a high-profile criminal case. Born in 2000, Kizer’s life took a tragic turn when she encountered Randall Phillip Volar III, a 33-year-old man who sexually abused and trafficked her and other underage Black girls.
The Incident
In June 2018, at the age of 17, Kizer shot and killed Volar. She then set his house on fire and fled in his car. Kizer was arrested and charged with multiple felonies, including first-degree intentional homicide, arson, and car theft. She did not dispute the facts of the incident but argued that her actions were a direct result of the abuse and trafficking she endured.
Legal Proceedings
Kizer’s case drew significant attention due to the legal arguments surrounding her defense. She sought to use Wisconsin’s affirmative defense law for victims of human trafficking, which allows such victims to claim that any offense committed was a direct result of being trafficked. Initially, the trial court ruled that this defense did not apply to violent crimes like homicide. However, this decision was overturned on appeal, allowing Kizer to present evidence of her trafficking at trial.
In July 2022, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled in favor of Kizer, stating that she could indeed use the affirmative defense in her case. This ruling was significant as it was the first time the court had interpreted the law in this context.
Sentencing
Despite the favorable ruling, Kizer’s legal battles continued. In May 2024, she pled guilty to second-degree reckless homicide, a lesser charge than first-degree intentional homicide. On August 19, 2024, she was sentenced to 11 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
Public Reaction and Impact
Kizer’s case has sparked widespread debate and garnered international attention, particularly in the context of the broader movement for criminal justice reform and the rights of trafficking victims. Her supporters argue that her actions were a desperate attempt to escape her abuser and that she should be treated as a victim rather than a criminal. The case has been compared to other high-profile cases involving claims of self-defense by victims of abuse, such as Cyntoia Brown.
Chrystul Kizer's case has elicited conflicting reactions from the public, reflecting larger cultural disputes about justice, self-defense, and the treatment of trafficking victims. Supporters saw her as a victim of severe abuse and trafficking who acted in self-defense, claiming that her actions were a desperate attempt to flee her abusive partner, Randall Volar. Kizer, who was a minor at the time, donated funds for her legal defense and lobbied for her release. Critics believe that the judicial system must strike a balance between compassion and accountability, believing that creating a precedent will complicate legal standards for self-defense and homicide.
Kizer's case has stirred heated legal and social debate, with the Wisconsin Supreme Court's decision to allow her to employ the affirmative defense for trafficking victims in a homicide case being considered revolutionary. The media has largely been sympathetic to Kizer, focusing on her painful experiences as well as the larger themes of trafficking and structural injustice. Public opinion, as seen by social media and community support, leans toward empathy for Kizer, calling for criminal justice reform and improved protections for trafficking victims.
Kim Kardashian, Alyssa Milano, Taraji P. Henson, and Gabrielle Union have all expressed support for Chrystul Kizer, a controversial figure. Milano has used social media to highlight Kizer's case and push for her release. Henson has also raised awareness of the injustices that trafficking victims suffer. Union, recognized for her activism, has advocated for justice reform. These celebrities and advocacy groups have made important contributions to the battle against human trafficking and criminal punishment.
Conclusion
Chrystul Kizer’s case highlights the complex intersection of criminal justice, human trafficking, and self-defense laws. It underscores the need for legal systems to consider the circumstances of trafficking victims and the impact of their traumatic experiences on their actions. As Kizer serves her sentence, her case continues to influence discussions on legal reforms and the protection of vulnerable individuals.
VIDEO: Chrystul Kizer sentenced to 11 years in prison | FOX6 News Milwaukee | https://youtu.be/R8AsVuTA89g
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