Woman testifies against man charged with rape in Lawrence

Victim says she felt "frozen" during alleged assault by someone she knew

Mar. 11, 2026 at 12:06am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 26-year-old woman took the witness stand in a trial against Victor Armstrong-Tharp, a 31-year-old Lawrence man charged with two counts of rape and two counts of aggravated battery against her in November 2022. The woman testified that she and Armstrong-Tharp had been drinking in Aggieville on the night of the alleged incident, and that she vomited at the bar and was asked to leave by security.

Why it matters

Sexual assault cases often involve complex dynamics between victims and perpetrators, and can be challenging to prosecute due to factors like the victim feeling "frozen" during the alleged attack. This case highlights the difficulties victims face in coming forward and testifying against someone they know.

The details

According to the woman's testimony, she and Armstrong-Tharp were drinking in the Aggieville entertainment district in Lawrence, Kansas on the night of the alleged incident in November 2022. The woman said she vomited at the bar and was asked to leave by security. Armstrong-Tharp is charged with two counts of rape and two counts of aggravated battery against the same woman. He pleaded not guilty to the charges in July 2024 and has been out on $100,000 bond since his arrest in January of that year.

  • The alleged incident occurred in November 2022.
  • Armstrong-Tharp was arrested in January 2024.
  • He pleaded not guilty to the charges in July 2024.

The players

Victor Armstrong-Tharp

A 31-year-old Lawrence, Kansas man charged with two counts of rape and two counts of aggravated battery against a woman he knew.

The victim

A 26-year-old woman who testified against Armstrong-Tharp in the trial.

Michael Blackburn

The assistant Riley County attorney who conducted the direct examination of the victim.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The woman said she vomited at the bar and that security asked her to leave.”

— The victim

What’s next

The judge will decide whether to allow Armstrong-Tharp to remain out on bail as the trial continues.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges victims of sexual assault can face, especially when the perpetrator is someone they know. The victim's testimony about feeling "frozen" during the alleged attack underscores the complex dynamics involved in these types of cases.