Wisconsin Woman Sentenced for Killing Her Sex Trafficker: A Troubling Verdict
A Wisconsin woman was sentenced Monday to 11 years in prison for killing a man who sex trafficked her.
Chrystul Kizer, who has argued she was legally allowed to kill the man because he sexually trafficked her, was sentenced after pleading guilty to a reduced count of reckless homicide in connection with the 2018 death of 34-year-old Randall Volar.
Understanding the Sentencing and Its Implications
The judge did not allow Kizer any opportunities for early release programs at the Department of Corrections, indicating a firm stance on accountability. According to the Wisconsin State Public Defender’s office, Kizer is anticipated to be released in 2033.
Earlier in May, Kizer pleaded guilty to second-degree reckless homicide, which strategically allowed her to avoid a trial that could have led to life imprisonment. This decision reflects not just a personal choice but a larger commentary on how the legal system often grapples with the narratives of victims like her.
At just 24, Kizer’s life took a drastic turn when she shot Volar at his residence in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Following this incident, she burned his house down and stole his vehicle, an act that adds layers to a complicated case stemming from her teen years, where she was just 17 at the time.
The Complicated Relationship Between Victims and Justice
The circumstances surrounding their meeting on a sex trafficking website underline a harrowing reality: Kizer claimed he had been abusing her and selling her services for a significant time before his death. As she recounted the incident to detectives, a particularly chilling moment arose when she stated she shot Volar after he attempted to touch her, illustrating the fear and desperation that drove her to take such drastic action.
Kizer’s defense hinged on a law enacted in 2008, designed to protect sex trafficking victims from criminal liability for offenses directly linked to their victimization. The Wisconsin Supreme Court affirmed in 2022 that Kizer could present this defense. Yet, the prosecution argued that the law was never intended to cover acts of homicide, positioning the case at a perplexing intersection of victim’s rights and the interpretation of law.
Many anti-violence organizations have rallied behind Kizer, emphasizing that individuals ensnared in trafficking often feel helpless and may resort to desperate measures to reclaim their autonomy. This case, they argue, highlights a systemic issue where justice often fails to account for the complexities surrounding victims’ actions.
This tragic narrative serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle between legal definitions and the lived experiences of those victimized by human trafficking. It emphasizes the need for more informed legislation that comprehensively addresses the needs and rights of trafficking survivors. In states across the nation, similar laws have been enacted to provide a measure of protection for victims, yet there remains a significant gap in understanding how these laws apply in the most severe circumstances.
The case of Chrystul Kizer remains poignant, stirring emotions that transcend simple legality. As it unfolds, it prompts reflection on society’s role in protecting its most vulnerable members and the lengths individuals might go when trapped in an oppressive cycle.
