A man convicted of a brutal crime as a teen and sentenced to 65 years in prison is now trying to get his sentence reduced. 

Kendrick Morris was found guilty of raping and brutally beating a high school student outside of the Bloomingdale Regional Library in Brandon in 2008.

The violent attack left the young girl paralyzed. She was beaten so badly she now needs around the clock care.

Morris wasn't sentenced to life in prison because he was 16 when he committed the crime. 

Under his 65-year sentence, Morris could be in his late 70s when released. 

Morris is now seeking a lighter sentence after a US Supreme Court ruling said, in some cases, long sentences for juveniles represent cruel and unusual punishment. 

The victim's family said a possible new sentence is hard for them to take. They said every day is a fight for survival for the young woman who was left for dead seven years ago.