In a recent government meeting, testimony was provided regarding the life and legal troubles of Kayla Duncan, a woman who faced significant challenges following a conviction for sexual assault. Kayla's mother, Pamela Hanson, detailed her daughter's upbringing, describing her as a quiet and intelligent child who struggled with self-esteem. Kayla graduated from Tarleton State University in 2013 with a degree in business administration and had one daughter, Callie, born in 2001.
The testimony revealed that Kayla's legal issues began in August 2014 when she was arrested for engaging in a relationship with a 15-year-old while she was 25. Following her arrest, she was offered a plea deal and ultimately served nearly five and a half years of a six-year sentence, including time in county jail and a halfway house. After her release in March 2020, Kayla communicated regularly with her family, sharing news of her pregnancy with her partner, Jonathan Lennard.
However, concerns grew when Kayla stopped responding to her family in late November 2020. Pamela recounted her attempts to reach Kayla, including messages to Jonathan, who initially claimed he did not know her whereabouts. Alarmed by Kayla's missed doctor appointments and lack of communication, Pamela escalated her concerns to law enforcement, fearing for her daughter's safety.
The meeting highlighted the complexities of Kayla's situation, including her struggles with the law and her efforts to rebuild her life after incarceration. The testimony underscored the challenges faced by individuals re-entering society after serving time, particularly in maintaining family connections and accessing necessary support systems.