7 Salisbury University students charged with hate crime attack, lured victim on dating app

BALTIMORE – Seven Salisbury University students, including four from Anne Arundel County, are facing hate crime charges for an alleged brutal attack on a victim because of his sexual orientation.

WJZ Investigator Mike Hellgren reports the defendants had court hearings Wednesday morning and have been released on electronic monitoring. The attack happened on 15 October.

Lures using Grindr

One of the seven suspects created a Grindr, a dating app, account and posed as a 16-year-old, luring the victim to an apartment just off Salisbury University’s campus for sex, according to charging documents obtained by WJZ.

The documents say, “Approximately 15 college-aged men emerged from the back bedrooms,” and within moments were “throwing, punching, kicking and spitting” at the victim while yelling an anti-gay slur.

A suspect wearing a Salisbury University hoodie “(struck the victim) in the head multiple times with a sheet, in addition to spitting on (the victim) and calling him (a gossip) during the incident,” according to the charging documents.

“The initial initial reaction was heartbreak mixed with outrage. There’s no reason something like this should happen just to someone who is who they are,” said Mark DeLancey, executive director of Salisbury PFLAG, an organization that goes for the LGBTQ+ community.

Police said the victim repeatedly tried to flee the apartment but was thrown to the floor. He was eventually able to escape.

Victim threatened

According to court documents, the victim did not report the attack and told police he was threatened and “was in fear of his life throughout the incident and believes he was framed for being gay.”

The victim suffered a broken rib and was treated at the hospital.

Someone recorded the attack, and charging documents revealed police traced the victim through MVA records because his license plate was visible in the video as he fled the scene.

“It’s only natural for people to feel unsafe and vulnerable at this time,” DeLancey said.

Police in Salisbury have appealed for anyone with more information to come forward.

DeLancey worried, “There could be more victims, and some of them may not be reported; that’s part of the problem.”

Salisbury University told WJZ that they condemn all acts of violence and any student who commits them may face disciplinary action.

“The crimes described are in direct conflict with Salisbury University’s values ​​and what we stand for. Hate has no place at SU,” Jason Rhodes, a school spokesman, said in a statement.

Defense attorney reacts

Hellgren reached out to defense attorney Steven Rakow, who represents one of the defendants. He said his client Riley Brister intends to plead not guilty and “there is more to the story than what is being reported in the press.”

The police identified the seven accused:

• 20-year-old Ryder Baker of Olney
• 18-year-old Bennan Aird of Milton, Delaware
• 20-year-old Riley Brister of Davidsonville
• 19-year-old Cruz Cespedes of Jarrettsville
• 20-year-old Dylan Earp from Gambrills
• 19-year-old Elijah Johnson of Crofton
• 18-year-old Zachary Leinemann of Crofton

Statement from Salisbury’s President

Salisbury University President Dr. Carolyn Ringer Lepre posted the following message on the school’s Facebook page:

Dear SU community,

Earlier today, seven of our students were arrested on charges of committing multiple violent crimes. It is alleged that these students, some of whom are fraternity members, committed crimes, including first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, false imprisonment and related hate crimes motivated by a person’s sexual orientation, at an off-campus apartment complex.

Moments like these are deeply difficult to communicate. As the president of the university, a resident of this community, and the mother of two college students, the right words elude me—they feel inadequate to fully convey the weight of the shock and disbelief we all share.

The thought of SU students perpetuating any crime is revolting, but the thought of SU students committing crimes of such a disturbing nature is truly horrifying.

So let me be ready. We regret these allegations. I am sorry for these allegations.

In my more than two years at SU, I have grown to cherish the warmth, compassion and acceptance that define this community we have built together. These actions do not reflect the SU that I know and love. A place where everyone should feel safe and free from harm. A place where violence is unacceptable.

Acts of violence against LGBTQ+ and allied communities are not only devastating, but contrary to the principles of community, respect and belonging that bind us together as a university.

In the coming days and weeks, we may hear more about these crimes, and I urge you to allow the investigative process to take place without speculation. Our institution believes in due process and the right to a fair investigation—and acts of anger and hatred perpetrated against others have no place on our campus.

Also remember that the University cannot comment on an ongoing investigation and we must continue to uphold the privacy laws that help guide our student conduct processes.

I recognize that the lack of detailed information can be frustrating, especially given the circumstances, and I appreciate your understanding.

In the meantime, I have directed the Office of Student Affairs to take the appropriate temporary suspension measures in accordance with our existing policies.

In times like these, we can all use some extra support. If you need to talk, consider contacting the Counseling Center, TimelyCare, or the Employee Assistance Program.

take care of each other,

Lightning

The assault was later ruled a hate crime after detectives determined the victim was targeted because of his sexual orientation.

In a statement about the incident, Salisbury University said: “Salisbury University condemns all acts of violence. We are committed to maintaining a safe, welcoming environment for all, both on and off campus. Any student who commits an act of violence can expect to face for criminal charges as well as disciplinary action under SU’s Student Code of Community Standards The crimes described are in direct conflict with the values ​​of Salisbury University and what we stand for has no place at SU.

The police state that the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information about the incident or similar incidents is asked to contact the Salisbury Police Department at 410-548-3165.