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Manhattan prosecutors have shared that Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. did not break his girlfriend’s neck during an alleged domestic violence dispute in September.
As The Shade Room previously reported, Porter Jr. has been accused of hitting Kysre Gondrezick “several times” with a closed fist. Additionally, it was suspected that the basketball player strangled the victim and fractured “one of the vertebrae in her neck.”
Kevin Porter Jr. initially faced charges of second and third-degree assault and second-degree strangulation. However, his charge of second-degree assault has now been dropped.
According to the New York Post, Kevin Porter Jr. appeared in Manhattan Criminal Court on Monday. During the hearing, prosecutors shared that they are dropping the charge of second-degree assault against the 23-year-old.
Additionally, prosecutors explained their decision was due to “insufficient evidence.” Furthermore, it has been determined that Gondrezick’s fractured vertebrae “was not” caused by Porter Jr.
“What initially appeared to be a fractured vertebrae was not in fact an injury caused by the defendant,” Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Mirah Curzer explained to Judge Jay Weiner, per the New York Post.
According to documents obtained by the outlet, Kysre Gondrezick’s fractured vertebrae is reportedly a “congenital,” or birth, defect. It is reportedly not a result of the alleged altercation that allegedly took place between her and Porter Jr.
New York Post reports that Judge Weiner agreed to the prosecution’s decision to drop the second-degree assault charge against Porter. However, the judge also shared brief words for Porter Jr.
“I don’t know what your relationship is with the complainant, but if things get heated, you have to be the one who walks away,” Judge Weiner reportedly explained to the 23-year-old.
The outlet adds that Kevin Porter Jr. may be sentenced to up to seven years if convicted solely on the second-degree strangulation charge. Additionally, the outlet reports that the 23-year-old was offered a plea deal to dismiss the third-degree assault charge. The deal reportedly required that Porter Jr. “undergo counseling.”
However, the 23-year-old reportedly “rejected the offer.”
At this time, the basketball player remains free on $75,000 bail. Additionally, Porter Jr.’s next court appearance is set for November 27.
As The Shade Room previously reported, the alleged altercation occurred between Porter Jr. and Gondrezick at the Millennium Hilton in New York City on the morning of September 11. Porter Jr. allegedly hit Gondrezick “several times” and put his “hands around her neck.”
According to the New York Post, the 26-year-old victim fled the room, where she was found by hotel staff and transported to NYU Langone Medical Center. Gondrezick had reportedly sustained a cut to her face. Then, it was later revealed that Porter Jr. repeatedly punched the woman with a “closed fist,” leaving her with “bruising” and “substantial pain.”
As The Shade Room previously reported, Porter Jr. allegedly has a history of abuse against Gondrezick. Fox 26 Houston reports that the 23-year-old has pled not guilty to his current charges and will remain sidelined by the Houston Rockets as the NBA investigates.
Additionally, the New York Post reports that the Houston Rockets are looking to trade the 23-year-old from their roster.
We should note that Gondrezick has been silent on social media since the alleged incident. However, on October 5, the 26-year-old returned to X, formerly known as Twitter, with a brief message.
“feels good to get back to kysre… “
This is a developing story. Be sure to check back in with The Shade Room for updates.
