AR Tech Student Arrested for Beating During Fraternity Hazing
By: Lauren Trager, KARK 4 News
Updated: August 22, 2012
An Arkansas Tech student is behind bars accused of beating a fellow student into a coma.
The Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity is now banned permanently from Arkansas Tech's campus The university is still deciding whether to suspend or expel the suspect in this case. But more, he could face up to 6 years in prison for what he allegedly did to a pledge.
"It doesn't look good for us," said student Casey Phillips.
Despite a bright and bustling first day of classes at Arkansas Tech University, some say a cloud's been cast by one fraternity member.
"Hazing is dumb, it really is," Phillips said.
Hazing, officials say, nearly cost Deshaun Scoggins his life last April. The only pledge for the three member Kappa Alpha Psi chapter, prosecutor's say Scoggins became a victim at the hands of his future fraternity brother: Deonte Bradley.
Bradley was arrested Tuesday for initiation activities some say went way too far.
"This was not teasing, or taunting, this was a physical act that left a student in a very, very serious condition," said Susie Nicholson, a Vice-President with Tech.
Wednesday, we obtained a copy of an affidavit detailing what prosecutors say happened.
April 21, 2012: Scoggins says he was with several men, including Bradley, at an apartment.
They made him put a hooded sweatshirt over his eyes and got him into a car.
As they were driving around, Scoggins told prosecutors Bradley kept telling him he loved him.
Eventually, the affidavit said the men ended up at a home off Verona Avenue in Russellville. That's where Scoggins, prosecutors say,was brutally beaten- repeatedly hit with wooden paddles and canes.
He told police he knew it was an initiation, but didn't know the beating would be so severe.
"That's ridiculous that's barbaric, you if my fraternity had told me they were doing that, I'd say no because there's no point in that, it's ridiculous" Phillips said.
Scoggins suffered liver failure, had fluid in his lungs and was in a coma for a week, hospitalized for much longer.
The community is relieved he's recovering.
Tech officials say they took swift action.
"We will not tolerate hazing on campus. Anyone that's found to be involved in hazing will be dealt with on our campus," said Nicholson.
Some students we spoke with hope Bradley will be expelled and possibly sent to prison.
"He should be criminally prosecuted, we don't have acceptance here at Tech for that," said Brianne Campbell, another Tech student.
Police are still looking for three of the men involved. They aren't Tech students, we're told, but could be members of the same fraternity at other campuses around Arkansas.
Of course, you can count on us to continue covering this for you.
The Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity is now banned permanently from Arkansas Tech's campus The university is still deciding whether to suspend or expel the suspect in this case. But more, he could face up to 6 years in prison for what he allegedly did to a pledge.
"It doesn't look good for us," said student Casey Phillips.
Despite a bright and bustling first day of classes at Arkansas Tech University, some say a cloud's been cast by one fraternity member.
"Hazing is dumb, it really is," Phillips said.
Hazing, officials say, nearly cost Deshaun Scoggins his life last April. The only pledge for the three member Kappa Alpha Psi chapter, prosecutor's say Scoggins became a victim at the hands of his future fraternity brother: Deonte Bradley.
Bradley was arrested Tuesday for initiation activities some say went way too far.
"This was not teasing, or taunting, this was a physical act that left a student in a very, very serious condition," said Susie Nicholson, a Vice-President with Tech.
Wednesday, we obtained a copy of an affidavit detailing what prosecutors say happened.
April 21, 2012: Scoggins says he was with several men, including Bradley, at an apartment.
They made him put a hooded sweatshirt over his eyes and got him into a car.
As they were driving around, Scoggins told prosecutors Bradley kept telling him he loved him.
Eventually, the affidavit said the men ended up at a home off Verona Avenue in Russellville. That's where Scoggins, prosecutors say,was brutally beaten- repeatedly hit with wooden paddles and canes.
He told police he knew it was an initiation, but didn't know the beating would be so severe.
"That's ridiculous that's barbaric, you if my fraternity had told me they were doing that, I'd say no because there's no point in that, it's ridiculous" Phillips said.
Scoggins suffered liver failure, had fluid in his lungs and was in a coma for a week, hospitalized for much longer.
The community is relieved he's recovering.
Tech officials say they took swift action.
"We will not tolerate hazing on campus. Anyone that's found to be involved in hazing will be dealt with on our campus," said Nicholson.
Some students we spoke with hope Bradley will be expelled and possibly sent to prison.
"He should be criminally prosecuted, we don't have acceptance here at Tech for that," said Brianne Campbell, another Tech student.
Police are still looking for three of the men involved. They aren't Tech students, we're told, but could be members of the same fraternity at other campuses around Arkansas.
Of course, you can count on us to continue covering this for you.
Comments
Lloyd B, you are a idiot, you must be [censored], oh my bad I shouldn't pass judgement on you right, the fact that Hazing is 1000 times worse in white frats is unseen and unheard of because they allow it to happen on campus, Ive never seen a white frat guy arrested for whoop the dog s**t out of there pledges, maybe you should round up your [censored] buddies and do something about it, that way once your arrested I can comment on your article to lol, I can see the headline now " Local Dumb a** arrested for still living in the 60's" that would be hilarious
PoloandJays P.
August 25, 2012 at 11:27 am
And you are right maybe Rev. Jackson needs to come and speak for thie young man. Just because you are arrested doesnt mean your guilty but I guess if you are black then yoiu dont deserve to be treated just like the white man. Innocent until proven guilty! It is 2012 and we all no matter what deserve a fair trial and not be judged before all the evidence is presented and you are convicted of the crime. LLOYD B- Yea we already know had it been a white boy who had done this the news wouldnt have even covered it. Please dont get me started on the media and iggnorant people like YOU!!!!
Mahogany M.
August 24, 2012 at 5:19 pm
is jackson going to speak on his behalf and is someone going to have a rally for this person, i mean hes been arrested and charged with a crime so obviously hes being railroaded, oh wait a minute this was a black on black crime nevermind
lloyd b.
August 23, 2012 at 6:36 am
