Four Arrested in Connection with Rape and Death of LSU Student Madison Brooks
The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office has arrested four men in connection to the rape and death of Louisiana State University student Madison Brooks.[0] Kaivon Washington, 18, and an unnamed 17-year-old minor were charged with third-degree rape, while Everett Lee, 28, and Casen Carver, 18, were charged with being principles to the rape.[1]
According to police records, Carver drove the vehicle while Lee sat in the passenger seat, and Washington and the minor sat in the back with Brooks.[2] Carver told police that both Washington and the 17-year-old asked Brooks multiple times “if she wanted to have sex,” and he said she consented.[2]
Under Louisiana law, third-degree rape is defined as an act of sexual assault committed against a victim who is unable to resist or comprehend the nature of the act due to a state of unconsciousness or mental impairment caused by an intoxicating agent or any other factor, and the perpetrator knew or should have known of the victim's incapacity.[3] Carver admitted to police that Brooks “was very unstable on her feet, was not able to keep her balance, and was unable to speak clearly without slurring her words.”[4] When asked by investigators if he believed Brooks was too impaired to consent, Carver reportedly said, “I guess.”[3]
Investigators say that Carver and the other male suspects went to Reggie's bar and consumed alcohol.[5] Just before departing, Brooks requested a lift home, according to Carver's statement to the police.[6] The report stated that he said he agreed because “he did not want her to leave while very intoxicated and that the bar was closing.”[7]
LSU President William Tate said in a statement: “Madison was a daughter, a granddaughter, a sister, a niece, a classmate, and a friend to many of you. By all accounts, she was an amazing young woman with limitless potential. She should not have been taken from us in this way. What happened to her was evil, and our legal system will parcel out justice.”[8]
In response to the tragedy, Tate announced plans to target any establishment that profits off of students by providing alcohol to underage individuals. He said: “We will call a meeting with these business owners to discuss how their responsibilities directly impact the safety of our students.[9]
0. “Men accused of raping LSU student Madison Brooks claim video they took of her proves their innocence” The Independent, 25 Jan. 2023, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/madison-brooks-lsu-rape-charges-video-b2268495.html
1. “Four Arrested After LSU Student Is Fatally Struck By Car Following Alleged Rape” Yahoo Entertainment, 24 Jan. 2023, https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/four-arrested-lsu-student-fatally-195403688.html
2. “LSU sophomore had been raped by two men before car hit and killed her, officials say” Biloxi Sun Herald, 24 Jan. 2023, https://www.sunherald.com/news/nation-world/national/article271573162.html
3. “LSU Student Was Allegedly Raped Before She Was Fatally Struck by Car, 4 Men Arrested: Police” PEOPLE, 24 Jan. 2023, https://people.com/crime/madison-brooks-lsu-student-allegedly-raped-fatally-struck-by-car/
4. “‘Got to stop’: Student dies after alleged rape” news.com.au, 24 Jan. 2023, https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/news-life/sorority-student-madison-brooks-fatally-struck-by-car-after-alleged-rape/news-story/06c1b175e74d0b9a681f0c2a2efcd0cc
5. “Madison Brooks death: Bonds set for suspects in LSU student rape” Fox News, 25 Jan. 2023, https://www.foxnews.com/us/madison-brooks-death-bonds-set-suspects-lsu-student-rape
6. “4 people arrested in alleged rape of LSU student who died after she was hit by car” msnNOW, 24 Jan. 2023, https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/4-people-arrested-in-alleged-rape-of-lsu-student-who-died-after-she-was-hit-by-car/ar-AA16HIMl?li=BBnbcA1
7. “4 people arrested in alleged rape of LSU student who died after she was hit by car” NBC News, 24 Jan. 2023, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/4-people-arrested-alleged-rape-lsu-student-died-was-hit-car-rcna67181
8. “4 arrested for involvement of the case of LSU student who was hit by a car and killed” WDSU New Orleans, 24 Jan. 2023, https://www.wdsu.com/article/4-arrested-involvement-case-lsu-student-hit-by-car-killed/42626608
9. “EBRSO: 4 arrested, 2 charged with rape in Madison Brooks’ death investigation” BRProud.com, 23 Jan. 2023, https://www.brproud.com/news/crime/erbso-4-arrested-2-charged-with-rape-in-madison-brooks-death-investigation/