Twelve students from Salisbury University in Maryland are facing hate crime charges for allegedly targeting gay men on Grindr, luring them to their apartments and viciously assaulting them.
Seven students and five others associated with the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity created fake profiles on Grindr. seduce a man to an off-campus apartment, whose age, name and other identifying information are not being released at this time.
The students reportedly posed as 16-year-old boys, the age of sexual consent in Maryland, and tried to arrange meetings under “false pretenses.” Post a press release on Facebook By Salisbury Police Department.
When the man arrived at his off-campus apartment, a group of about 15 students surrounded him, made him sit on a chair in the middle of the living room, and then kicked, punched, and spat on him while shouting derogatory terms. I even put it on.
At least one student was wearing a Salisbury University hoodie. hit the victim multiple times on a cookie sheet, according to charging documents.
The victim later told investigators that he tried to run away but was blocked. After he was finally allowed to leave the hospital, he sought treatment for his injuries, which included broken ribs and bruises all over his body.
Police learned of the incident not through a complaint from the victim, but after two others claimed that one of the 12 students showed them a video of part of the alleged assault. It was about.
Police were eventually able to track the victim through MVA records because his license plate was seen on video of him fleeing the scene.
Police have not disclosed the age of the victim, whether he is affiliated with Salisbury University, or whether he knew the suspect.
All 12 students identified as suspects in the attack were charged with assault, false imprisonment and reckless endangerment, along with a hate crime enhancement.
The men charged are:
- Ryder Baker, 20, of Olney, Maryland
- Brennan Aird, 18, of Milton, Delaware
- Riley Brister, 20, of Davidsonville, Maryland
- Cruz Cespedes of Jarrettsville, Maryland
- Dylan Earp, 20, of Gambrills, Maryland.
- Elijah Johnson, 19, of Crofton, Maryland
- Zachary Reinman, 18, of Crofton, Maryland
- Cameron Guy, 18, resident of Baltimore City, Maryland
- Jacob Howard (19 years old, resident of Elkridge, Maryland)
- Eric Sinclair, 21, of Mount Airy, Maryland.
- Patrick Gutierrez, 19, of Salisbury, Maryland
- Dylan Pietuska, 20, of Friendship, Maryland.
Brister’s attorney, Stephen Rakow, told WJZ that his client intends to maintain his innocence and that “there is more to this story than is being reported in the media.”
Several commentators have already responded to the Salisbury Police Department’s post, claiming the victim was a pedophile who tried to meet up with the 16-year-old or try to justify the young man’s actions.
Some commented that the age of consent in the state should be raised to 18. Some even try to release personal information about the alleged victim.
A Salisbury University spokesperson said all students involved in the incident have been suspended while the investigation continues.
“Salisbury University condemns all acts of violence,” a spokesperson said in a statement on behalf of the university. “In addition to criminal charges, students who commit acts of violence may be subject to disciplinary action under SU’s Student Community Standards. This directly contradicts everything. There is no room for hatred in SU.”
Source: Metro Weekly – www.metroweekly.com
