Louisiana sorority student Madison Brooks fatally struck by car after alleged rape
Prosecutors have vowed to upgrade charges against four males accused of raping a Louisiana State University student before abandoning her in a dark road, where she was struck by a ride-share car and killed.
Madison Brooks, 19, spent the night of January 14 at Reggie’s Bar in Baton Rouge where she allegedly met her attackers.
Investigators said Brooks was then sexually assaulted by the four men in a car before they dropped her off along a road in the early hours of 15 January. A driver then hit the Alpha Phi sorority sister and she died in hospital.
Kaivon Deondre Washington, 18, and a 17-year-old male who has not been named due to his age have been charged with third-degree rape.
Mr Washington’s uncle Everette Lee, 28, and Casen Carver, 18, are charged with principal to rape — they have since been released on bond.
At a bond hearing this week, prosecutors said they would seek to upgrade charges to first-degree rape and plan to convene a grand jury in the case. In the hearing, a judge said that footage shot by one of the suspects – along with other evidence – proves a crime occurred that night.
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Prosecutors vow to upgrade charges
Now, prosecutors in the case have also vowed to upgrade the charges against the alleged attackers.
Prosecutor Stuart Theriot said at Tuesday’s bond hearing that the state would seek upgraded charges of first-degree rape and planned to convene a grand jury in the case.
Kaivon Deondre Washington, 18, and a 17-year-old male who has not been named due to his age have been charged with third-degree rape. Mr Washington’s uncle Everette Lee, 28, and Casen Carver, 18, are charged with principal to rape.
Mr. Washington had his bond set by 19th Judicial District Judge Brad Myers at $150,000. Mr Lee was given a $75,000 bond and Mr Carver was given a $50,000 bond. Mr Lee and Mr Carver were released on bond on Wednesday.
The 17-year-old’s bond hearing has been postponed until February.
Rachel Sharp26 January 2023 11:48
Reports of incidents at Reggie’s Bar prior to Madison Brooks’ alleged rape and death
It has emerged that it is not the first that the bar where Madison Brooks spent the night of 15 January, Reggie’s – located in the area dubbed Tigerland – has come under fire before over a series of violent events.
Oliver O’Connell26 January 2023 11:30
Bar where Madison Brooks with alleged attackers loses liquor license
The Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control announced on Tuesday that it was issuing an emergency suspension for Reggie’s bar in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, following the tragic death of 19-year-old Madison Brooks.
The agency cited “the seriousness of the allegations and the potential threat to public safety”.
Oliver O’Connell26 January 2023 09:30
Outraged community demands justice for LSU student
The city of Baton Rouge has been shaken by the alleged rape of Madison Brooks that led to her tragic death when she was struck by a car. Fellow LSU students, mothers and the university’s president demand justice for her, as Andrea Blanco and Rachel Sharp report.
Oliver O’Connell26 January 2023 07:30
Judge says video intended to clear suspects does the opposite
A video that four men hoped would exonerate them of the rape of a Louisiana State University (LSU) student has instead proven that a crime did occur, according to a judge – hours after an attorney for two of the suspects claimed it shows the late 19 -year-old had consented to sex.
Rachel Sharp reports on what was said in court.
Oliver O’Connell26 January 2023 05:30
Earlier: Two suspects freed on bond
Andrew Blanco is following the case and filed this report.
Oliver O’Connell26 January 2023 03:30
ICYMI: Accused men claim video proves they are innocent of rape
An attorney for two men accused of raping a Louisiana State University student before dropping her off on a roadway where she was later fatally struck by a car has claimed that video of the alleged sexual assault proves she was in a “coherent state” and consented to the acts.
Oliver O’Connell26 January 2023 01:30
Suspects seen ‘callously’ laughing at victim in video
Prior to setting bond, Judge Brad Myers said he had watched a video showing suspects “callously” laughing at Madison Brooks while she slurred her words inside the car where her alleged rape took place, according to reporting by WAFB9. However, he said the video did not show the alleged assault.
The video was filmed by one of the suspects.
The judge said he had also viewed video filmed at Reggie’s bar, where Madison met her alleged attackers, which is said to have shown her stumbling, falling over and needing help. Madison’s state of mind, and her ability to have consented to sex, are at the heart of the case.
Phil Thomas26 January 2023 00:16
Recap: Three men and one minor charged in the rape case of Madison Brooks
Oliver O’Connell25 January 2023 23:30
Reggie’s Bar: Series of incidents reported before Madison Brooks’ alleged rape and death
A bar where 19-year-old Louisiana State University student Madison Brooks with three underage males accused of participating in her rape has a history of previous violent incidents.
The Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control announced on Tuesday that it was issuing an emergency suspension for Reggie’s bar in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, following the tragic death of Brooks on January 15.
Andrea Blanco has the story.
Oliver O’Connell25 January 2023 22:00
