Louisiana sorority student Madison Brooks fatally struck by car after rape allegations
Prosecutors have vowed to upgrade charges against four men accused of raping a Louisiana State University student before leaving her on a dark road where she was struck and killed by a ride-share car.
Madison Brooks, 19, spent the night of Jan. 14 at Reggie’s Bar in Baton Rouge, where she met the assailant.
Investigators said four men in a car sexually assaulted Brooks before dropping her off on a road in the early morning hours of Jan. 15. A driver then hit an Alpha Phi sorority sister and she died at the hospital.
Kyvon Deondre Washington, 18, and a 17-year-old male, whose age was not named, have been charged with third-degree rape.
Mr Washington’s uncles, Everett Lee, 28, and Cassen Carver, 18, were charged with the main rape – they have since been released on bond.
At a bond hearing this week, prosecutors said they will seek to upgrade the charges to first-degree rape and plan to convene a grand jury in the case. At the trial, the judge said footage shot by one of the suspects – along with other evidence – proved the crime committed that night.
Who are the four accused of raping her?
Four men have been arrested on charges of raping Louisiana State University student Madison Brooks and fatally beating her before taking her down a dark street.
Kyvon Deondre Washington, 18, and a 17-year-old male, who has not been identified because he is a minor, are charged with third-degree rape.
Mr. Washington’s uncles, Everett Lee, 28, and Cassen Carver, 18, were charged with aggravated rape.
LSU has confirmed that none of the four alleged attackers are students at the college.
(Baton Rouge PD)
Rachel Sharp26 January 2023 13:30
What happened to Madison Brooks?
Brooks, 19, was allegedly sexually assaulted in a car on Jan. 15, left on a dark street in the early morning hours after a night of drinking at a Baton Rouge bar, when she was apparently hit by accident. By a passing car, she later dies in hospital from her injuries.
Joe Somerlad has put together a timeline of everything we know about the case so far:
Oliver O’Connell26 January 2023 13:00
Authorities say an autopsy shows injuries consistent with sexual assault
An autopsy confirmed Madison Brooks had injuries consistent with a sexual assault, according to the arrest warrant.
Investigators said the victim and the four suspects met at a bar on Jan. 14. Mr. Carver told officers that he asked Mr. Washington and the unidentified minor victim to have sex with him but she admitted that she was intoxicated, stumbling and slurring her words.
The men then dropped her off in a neighborhood near Pelican Lakes Parkway. While standing on a dark side of the road around 3 a.m., Brooks was struck by a vehicle and died hours later at the hospital.
Footage from the bar seized by investigators showed her falling several times in front of at least one of the suspects before they left the business.
Mr Carver told police Brooks was “very unsteady on her feet, unable to keep her balance and unable to speak clearly without slurring her words”.
Mr. Carver told police that despite her intoxicated state, the two suspects proceeded to have sex with her inside the car. He later said he “felt uncomfortable and hated it.”
Asked by investigators if he believed Brooks was too weak to consent, Mr Carver said: “I guess so”.
Rachel Sharp26 January 2023 12:30
Prosecutors vow to renew charges
Now, prosecutors in the case have vowed to renew charges against the alleged attackers.
Prosecutor Stuart Theriot said at Tuesday’s bond hearing that the state will seek upgraded charges of first-degree rape and plans to convene a grand jury in the case.
Kyvon Deondre Washington, 18, and a 17-year-old male, whose age was not named, have been charged with third-degree rape. Mr. Washington’s uncles, Everett Lee, 28, and Cassen Carver, 18, are charged with aggravated rape.
Mr. Washington’s bond was set at $150,000 by 19th Judicial District Judge Brad Myers. 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 events at Reggie’s Bar prior to Madison Brooks’ alleged rape and death
It has emerged that the bar where Madison Brooks spent the night of January 15, Reggie’s in an area known as Tigerland – has come under fire for a series of violent incidents.
Oliver O’Connell26 January 2023 11:30
Bar where Madison Brooks met, alleged attacker loses liquor license
The Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control announced Tuesday the emergency suspension of a reggae 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 rocked by Madison Brooks’ alleged rape that led to her tragic death in a car crash. Fellow LSU students, mothers and university presidents demand justice for her Andrea Blanco And Rachel Sharp Report.
Oliver O’Connell26 January 2023 07:30
The judge says the video, which is meant to clear the suspect, does the opposite
A video that four men hoped would exonerate themselves from the rape of a Louisiana State University (LSU) student proved the crime happened, according to a judge – hours after lawyers for the two suspects said it showed the end of the 19 – Year-old child consented to sex.
Rachel Sharp Reports on what was said in court.
Oliver O’Connell26 January 2023 05:30
Earlier: Two suspects released on bond
Andrew Blanco This report has been submitted following the case.
Oliver O’Connell26 January 2023 03:30
ICYMI: Accused men claim video proves they’re innocent of rape
Lawyers for two men accused of raping a Louisiana State University student who fatally hit her with a car before dropping her on the roadway say a video of the alleged sexual assault proves she was in a “coherent state.” Acts.
Oliver O’Connell26 January 2023 01:30
