Chrystul Kizer, a Milwaukee woman, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for killing Randall Volar, a man who had been sex trafficking her when she was 17 years old. Kizer pleaded guilty to reckless homicide in the case, drawing criticism from victim advocates who believe she should have been given leniency considering the circumstances of her situation. Volar had a history of sexual abuse of underage girls, and police found evidence that he had abused multiple Black girls. Kizer’s case has drawn comparisons to that of Cyntoia Brown-Long, who was also imprisoned for killing a man who had trafficked her. Brown-Long’s sentence was later commuted due to outcry from celebrities and the public.
Kizer requested mercy at her sentencing hearing, quoting religious texts and acknowledging the pain her actions caused the Volar family. Despite Kizer’s plea for leniency, the judge emphasized the importance of upholding the law and ordered her 11-year sentence.
Advocates for Kizer argue that she should have been considered a victim of sex trafficking and given immunity under Wisconsin law. They believe the justice system failed to recognize the trauma and coercion she experienced, leading her to react in self-defense. The case has sparked conversations around the treatment of victims of sex trafficking in the legal system, particularly when they are minors.
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