22-year-old Jalen Thomas Kelley thought it was business as usual when he raped a 17-year-old on a ship. The teenager and her family were aboard the Carnival Legend to celebrate the holiday season. Although it lasted from January 1 to January 2, 2023, this getaway trip left a long-lasting memory on a victim.
Per court details and documents, Jalen Kelley tricked the minor to return to his cabin with him so she could use the restroom while the New Year’s party was ongoing, but she ended up becoming a victim of rape.
Allegedly, Kelley pushed her onto his bed, raped her, and uttered the words “You good?”. The prosecutors added that the rape victim hurriedly left the scene to meet with her family. However, when they returned home to Virginia, she revealed the crime to the police.
The victim also underwent a medical examination to determine the extent to which force was applied. Medical observation confirmed that she was forcefully penetrated and had secured bruises on her genitals and arms.
Expectedly, the accused denied the allegations, claiming that the minor was intoxicated when she came to him. Jalen Kelley, who plays football at the University of North Carolina, was arrested on September 20, 2023. Investigators discovered that there was an outstanding warrant for his arrest for an unmentioned crime.
But since then, about seven people have accused him of rape.in 2019, the University student was convicted of sexual assault as a minor. The State reported that he has now been found guilty of aggravated sexual abuse and assault. The young adult faces life behind bars.
#Clique, what are your thoughts?
