7 Salisbury University students charged with hate crimes, victims lured via dating app

BALTIMORE — Seven Salisbury University students, including four from Anne Arundel County, are charged with a hate crime for an alleged brutal attack on a victim based on his sexual orientation.

WJZ Investigator Mike Hellgren reports the defendants had court hearings Wednesday morning and were released on electronic monitoring. The attack occurred on October 15th.

Lured with Grindr

One of the seven suspects created a Grindr account, a dating app, and posed as a 16-year-old to lure the victim to an apartment right next to the Salisbury University 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 they were “slapping, punching, kicking and spitting” on the victim while shouting an anti-gay slur.

A suspect wearing a Salisbury University hoodie “striked the victim in the head multiple times with a hotplate, spit on (the victim) and swore at (the victim) during the incident,” charging documents state.

“The initial reaction was heartbreaking and outraged. There is no reason why something like this should happen just because someone is who they are,” said Mark DeLancey, executive director of Salisbury PFLAG, an organization that advocates for the LGBTQ+ community.

Police said the victim repeatedly tried to escape the apartment but was thrown to the ground. He was finally able to escape.

Victim threatened

According to court documents, the victim did not report the attack and told police that he was threatened and “feared for his life throughout the incident and believes he was targeted because of his homosexuality.”

The victim suffered a broken rib and was treated in hospital.

Someone recorded the attack, and charging documents revealed that police were able to track down the victim through the MVA records because his license plate was visible on the video as he fled the scene.

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

Salisbury Police have asked anyone with further information to come forward.

DeLancey was concerned: “There may be more victims and some of them may go unreported; That’s part of the problem.”

Salisbury University told WJZ that it condemns all acts of violence and that any students who commit them will face disciplinary action.

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

The defender reacts

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

The police identified the seven defendants:

• 20-year-old Ryder Baker of Olney
• 18-year-old Bennan Aird from 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 the President of Salisbury

The President of Salisbury University, 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 for committing multiple violent crimes. It is alleged that these students, some of whom are fraternity members, committed crimes at an off-campus apartment complex, including first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, false imprisonment and related hate crimes that were motivated by an individual's sexual orientation.

Moments like these are extremely difficult to communicate. As the president of the university, a resident of this community, and the mother of two college students, I can think of the right words – they seem insufficient to fully express the weight of shock and disbelief we all share.

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

So, let me clarify. We are dismayed by these allegations. I am dismayed by these allegations.

In my more than two years at SU, I have come to appreciate the warmth, compassion and acceptance that define this community we have built together. These actions do not reflect the SU 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 destructive, but also contradict the principles of community, respect and belonging that hold us together as a university.

We may learn more about these crimes in the coming days and weeks, and I urge you to allow the investigation process to proceed without speculation. Our institution believes in due process and the right to a fair investigation – and angry and hateful actions against others have no place on our campus.

Please also remember that the University cannot discuss an ongoing investigation and we must continue to comply with data protection laws that help guide our student conduct processes.

I recognize that the lack of detailed information may be frustrating, particularly given the circumstances, and I thank you for your understanding.

In the meantime, I have directed the Office of Student Affairs to take the appropriate interim lockdown measures in accordance with our existing guidelines.

In times like these, we can all use some extra support. If you need to talk, please contact the advice center, TimelyCare or the Employee Assistance Program.

Please take care of each other,

Lyn

The attack was later classified as a hate crime after investigators 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 creating a safe, welcoming environment for everyone on and off campus. Any student who commits an act of violence can face criminal charges and disciplinary action in accordance with SU's Student Code of Community Standards. The crimes described are in direct contradiction to the values ​​of Salisbury University and what we stand for has no place at the SU.

Police said the investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with further information about the incident or similar incidents is asked to contact Salisbury Police at 410-548-3165.