Christopher Thompson, who was 18 at the time of the crimes, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after a Jefferson County jury recommended 65 years for a series of violent offenses against a woman in south Louisville.

According to prosecutors, Thompson, wearing a ski mask, carjacked the victim at gunpoint. He kidnapped her, sexually assaulted her in a school parking lot, forced her to withdraw money from an ATM, and then assaulted her again. Prosecutors described the case as “every woman’s worst nightmare.”

Following a four-day trial, the jury convicted Thompson on multiple charges, including robbery, kidnapping, sodomy, and sexual abuse.

During the sentencing hearing before Jefferson County Judge Tracy Davis, Thompson was highly disruptive. Before proceedings formally began, he reportedly told the judge, “I ain’t doing nothing. Eat my d**k.” He continued with outbursts, stating he had “no sympathy for nobody,” including the victim and her family, and allegedly told the judge he would spit on her if given the chance.

Despite the jury’s recommendation and opposition from prosecutors and the victim’s family, Judge Davis reduced the sentence to 30 years. She told Thompson:

“As a 20-year-old African American male, that has been, you know, experienced this society… if you would show, yes, okay, this is the situation. This is who I am. I don’t want to be this person anymore.”

The judge expressed belief that Thompson still had potential for rehabilitation with appropriate resources in prison. With good behavior, he could be eligible for release in approximately 20 years, around age 40.

The decision has sparked significant backlash. Metro Council Republicans in Louisville announced plans to begin publicly releasing judicial records so voters can better scrutinize the rulings of elected judges.

In response to criticism, Judge Davis stated: “Regardless of what anyone thinks, I apply the law.”

The victim had no say in the sentence reduction. Thompson was also facing an additional assault charge involving a corrections officer at the time of sentencing.