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Madison Brooks news - live: LSU student’s family is ‘blown away’ by victim blaming as they say ‘rape is rape’

The grieving family members of Madison Brooks have said they were “blown away” by the suspects’ attempts to victim blame as they said “rape is rape”.

Kerry Miller, an attorney representing Brooks’ family, spoke out to “set the record straight” so that the Louisiana State University (LSU) student “is not blamed as a victim” for her alleged rape and death.

On Friday, attorneys for Casen Carver, 18, Kaivon Deondre Washington, 18, Everett Lee, 28, and the unnamed fourth suspect, 17, held a press conference saying Brooks “wouldn’t have complained” about the alleged rape “if she was alive”.

Mr Miller slammed the comment telling Fox News Digital: “I was blown away by that comment. I mean their clients gave sworn statements that they raped a young girl who was intoxicated.”

He added: “She was raped. Rape is rape.”

Brooks met the four men in Reggie’s Bar in Baton Rouge on 15 January. Investigators say the suspects raped her in a car and then abandoned her on a dark road where she was struck and killed by a car.

Key points

  • Madison Brooks’ family slams ‘smear campaign’ by suspects

  • Funeral arrangements released for LSU student

  • Suspect arrested over second alleged rape in 2020

  • Surveillance footage shows Brooks leaving bar

  • Prosecutors vow to upgrade rape charges

LSU student group slam university president’s statement in response to Madison Brooks’s alleged rape

08:30 , Andrea Blanco

LSU College Democrats accused the president’s email of “victim-blaming” and demanded that the university renewed a “contract with sexual trauma awareness and response and release an accessible list of confidential registered trauma responders and organizations made by LSU.”

The group said that working with students to establish a concrete plan was pivotal to eradicating “rape culture” at the university.

LSU students slam university’s response to Madison Brooks’ alleged rape and death

Suspect in Madison Brooks’ rape is arrested over second alleged rape in 2020

07:00 , Andrea Blanco

One of four suspects charged in the rape of LSU student Madison Brooks — who was fatally hit by a car after the alleged assault — has been arrested in connection with a second rape dating back to 2020.

Kaivon Washington, 18, was charged this week with third-degree rape in the 15 January incident involving Ms Brooks, then posted bond on Thursday and was released in Baton Rouge.

On Friday, he turned himself in to authorities in Livingston Parish, about a half hour away, where he was booked on a count of first-degree rape stemming from an incident three years ago, according to The Advocate.

The Independent’s Sheila Flynn has the full story:

Madison Brooks suspect faces second rape charge for alleged 2020 assault of minor

Attorney for Madison Brooks’ family decries defence’s remarks on her alcohol level results

05:30 , Andrea Blanco

Joe Long, one of the defence lawyers, said during the press conference on Friday: “The evidence we’ve seen so far in the video of Ms Brooks running across the streets from Reggie’s undermines the police version of events. Until our experts can look at what happened, we believe that the BAC they are saying is inaccurate.”

Mr Miller, the Brooks family lawyer, criticized the defence while speaking to WVUE.

“To come out to mention evidence that they have and don’t show it, to contradict a gold standard blood alcohol test and not say on what basis they are doing it, it is a made-up smear campaign, absolutely shameful,” he said. “What the next week and several days are about is letting Madi’s family grieve.”

The office of the district attorney has said that the charges could be upgraded to first-degree rape if supported by the evidence and that a grand jury may be convened. Wether the 17-year-old will be tried as an adult remains unsettled.

Attorneys for Madison Brooks’ accused rapists allege her body alcohol level results are “incorrect”

04:00 , Andrea Blanco

Laywers representing Madison Brooks’ alleged rapists have denied that the LSU student was in a drunken stupor when two of the accused had sex with her.

In a press conference on Friday, attorneys Joe Long and Ron Haley questioned the accuracy of body alcohol level (BAC) results showing that 19-year-old Brooks was nearly four times over the legal limit at the time of her death, ABC affiliate WBRZ reports.

Mr Long represents 18-year-old Casen Carver, who is facing principal to rape charges. Mr Haley is the attorney for Kaivon Deondre Washington, 18, and Everett Lee, 28, charged with third-degree rape and principal to rape, respectively.

A 17-year-old, whose name has not been released because he is a minor, is also accused of raping Brooks. The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office said that the men dropped Brooks off along a roadway where she was later fatally hit by a car.

“If you have a .391 [body alcohol level], your motor skills shut your body down. You can’t walk, you can’t talk, you’re lapsing in and out of a blackout,” Mr Long said. “The evidence we’ve seen so far of Ms Brooks running across the street from Reggie’s undermines the police’s version of events, and until our experts can look at what happened, we believe that the BAC is inaccurate.”

Madison Brooks’ family slams ‘shameful smear campaign’ by suspects’ attorneys

02:30 , Andrea Blanco

The grieving family of Madison Brooks has slammed her accused attackers for launching what they have described as an “absolutely shameful” “smear campaign” against the late Louisiana State University (LSU) student.

Kerry Miller, an attorney representing Brooks’ family, spoke out after attorneys for Casen Carver, 18, Kaivon Deondre Washington, 18, Everett Lee, 28, and the unnamed fourth suspect, 17, held a press conference on Friday denying Brooks’ blood alcohol levels and claiming footage – that they are not releasing – casts doubt on her inability to consent to sex.

“To come out to mention evidence that they have and don’t show it, to contradict a gold standard blood alcohol test and not say on what basis they are doing it, it is a made up, smear campaign, absolutely shameful,” Mr Miller told WAFB.

“What the next week and several days are about is letting Madi’s family grieve.”

Funeral arrangements for Louisiana State University student Madison Brooks set for Friday

01:00 , Andrea Blanco

Funeral arrangements have now been set for Madison Brooks.

The LSU student, 19, will be laid to rest in her hometown of Covington, Louisiana, on 3 February.

Her visitation will be held at St Peter Catholic Church in Covington from 11am on Friday followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1pm.

She will then be buried at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Covington.

VIDEO: Surveillance footage shows Madison Brooks leaving bar before her death and alleged rape

Tuesday 31 January 2023 23:30 , Andrea Blanco

Surveillance footage showed Louisiana State University student Madison Brooks leaving a bar allegedly with the four men accused of raping her on the night she was also fatally hit by a vehicle.

Madison Brooks is remembered as ‘pure joy and light’ by family

Tuesday 31 January 2023 21:15 , Andrea Blanco

In the wake of her sudden and tragic death, tributes have poured in from loved ones of Brooks.

LSU’s Alpha Phi chapter paid tribute to its sorority sister in a post on the group’s Facebook page.

“Madison was a sophomore and made a lasting impact on all of us,” the statement read.

“She was also a hero and was able to donate her heart and kidneys to save others. We send our deepest sympathies to her family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. And we respectfully ask for time and space so we may support each other in our healing process. AOE”

In the wake of her sudden and tragic death, Brooks has been remembered as a bright and joyful young woman

Brooks’ grandfather Kert LeBlanc also issued a heartfelt statement on his Facebook profile.

“She was pure joy and light. She made us so very proud. We will miss her terribly. Please keep our family in your prayers as we navigate through this difficult time,” Mr LeBlanc wrote.

Tiffani Carlini Roberston, the mother of a female student at LSU, wrote in a touching post that Brooks’ memory “is in the heart of every woman attending LSU as well as their mothers.” Ms Roberston said Brooks’s story had resonated with many in the local community and made them realise that there is a bigger conversation to be had.

“We may never rid the world of sexual assault, but Madi’s beautiful life is bringing awareness of sexual assault to a generation that till now has kept their pain to themselves,” she told The Independent. “Our hearts are breaking for this family we’ve never known.”

Video taken by suspect only shows them ‘having a conversation with Madison Brooks,’ attorneys say

Tuesday 31 January 2023 20:30 , Andrea Blanco

In a press conference on Friday, attorneys Joe Long and Ron Haley clarified that the video taken inside the car showed the defendants engaging in a conversation with Brooks, but did not depict them having sex, as was previously reported.

Mr Long represents 18-year-old Casen Carver, who is facing principal to rape charges. Mr Haley is the attorney for Kaivon Deondre Washington, 18, and Everett Lee, 28, charged with third-degree rape and principal to rape, respectively.

The video will not be released at this time, the legal team said.

The attorneys had hoped that the video would exonerate the men, but Judge Brad Myers said it only showed the suspects “callously” laughing at Brooks as she slurred her words, reported local outlet WAFB.

They also said on Friday that another video of Brooks leaving the vehicle “unharmed” will also be released at a later date. It is unclear whether that footage was obtained from surveillance cameras or recorded by the suspects.

Madison Brooks’s family decries ‘victim blaming’ by defence’s attorneys

Tuesday 31 January 2023 19:15 , Andrea Blanco

The grieving family members of Madison Brooks have said they were “blown away” by the suspects’ attempts to victim blame as they said “rape is rape”.

On Friday, attorneys for Casen Carver, 18, Kaivon Deondre Washington, 18, Everett Lee, 28, and the unnamed fourth suspect, 17, held a press conference saying Brooks “wouldn’t have complained” about the alleged rape “if she was alive”.

Kerry Miller, an attorney representing Brooks’ family, slammed the comment telling Fox News Digital: “I was blown away by that comment. I mean their clients gave sworn statements that they raped a young girl who was intoxicated.

“What does he mean by that? That had she not been run over by a car seconds after being dropped off in the middle of the road that they wouldn’t have come forward and admitted their guilt? … Clearly a crime was committed. And I think that will be proven in court.”

He said he was speaking out to “set the record straight” so that the Louisiana State University (LSU) student “is not blamed as a victim” for her alleged rape and death.

“She was raped. Rape is rape,” he said.

“It’s just a horrific, terrible situation. And to the extent that those involved with the alleged rapist want to blame the victim and show up at press conferences and say things … we’re standing up for Maddie. That’s not right.”

LSU student group slam university president’s statement in response to Madison Brooks death

Tuesday 31 January 2023 18:33 , Andrea Blanco

LSU College Democrats accused the president’s email of “victim-blaming” and demanded that the university renewed a “contract with sexual trauma awareness and response and release an accessible list of confidential registered trauma responders and organizations made by LSU.”

The group said that working with students to establish a concrete plan was pivotal to eradicating “rape culture” at the university.

The group demanded that Mr Tate use his “energy to fix the sexual violence our community faces instead of using alcohol as a scapegoat.” Mr Tate had previously said that the university plans to investigate why the establishment where 19-year-old Brooks met the men accused of raping her was serving alcohol to minors.

“While students are grieving the loss of our peer and fearing for our safety and well-being, your administration directs its attention to the underage consumption of alcohol. This response is inexcusable,” the group said.

The statement added: “These four individuals were arrested for ‘third-degree rape’ and ‘principle to rape’; not underage drinking nor driving under the influence.”

Kaivon Washington, Madison Brooks’ alleged rapist, arrested over second alleged rape in 2020

Tuesday 31 January 2023 17:45 , Andrea Blanco

One of four suspects charged in the rape of LSU student Madison Brooks — who was fatally hit by a car after the alleged assault — has been arrested in connection with a second rape dating back to 2020.

Kaivon Washington, 18, was charged this week with third-degree rape in the 15 January incident involving Ms Brooks, then posted bond on Thursday and was released in Baton Rouge.

On Friday, he turned himself in to authorities in Livingston Parish, about a half hour away, where he was booked on a count of first-degree rape stemming from an incident three years ago, according to The Advocate.

The Independent’s Sheila Flynn has the full story:

Madison Brooks suspect faces second rape charge for alleged 2020 assault of minor

Will the 17-year-old suspect be tried as an adult?

Tuesday 31 January 2023 17:00 , Andrea Blanco

The 17-year-old suspect is yet to be identified due to his age.

However, questions are mounting as to whether he will be tried as an adult in the case.

At a bond hearing on 24 February, prosecutors vowed to upgrade the charges against the four men accused of raping the LSU student.

District Attorney Hillar Moore’s Office has said that charges could be upgraded to first-degree rape and are planning to call a grand jury in the case.

From Baton Rouge bar to alleged rape and death, what happened to the LSU student?

Tuesday 31 January 2023 16:15 , Andrea Blanco

Brooks, 19, was allegedly sexually assaulted in a car on 15 January after a night of drinking in a Baton Rouge bar before being left on a dark road in the early hours of the morning, at which point she appears to have been struck by accident by a passing car, dying later in hospital of her injuries.

On 23 January, Kaivon Deondre Washington, 18, and a 17-year-old male who has not been named because of his age were charged with third-degree rape.

Here is a timeline of everything we know about the case so far:

Good samaritans gave CPR to Madison Brooks after she was hit by a car

Tuesday 31 January 2023 15:30 , Andrea Blanco

In a statement to The Independent, the East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner’s Office confirmed that 19-year-old Brooks died from multiple traumatic injuries secondary to a “motor vehicle versus pedestrian collision” that she suffered in the early morning hours of 15 January.

Authorities have said that the driver was not impaired when the accident took place and that they stopped the vehicle and contacted emergency services immediately upon realising that Brooks was hit, Fox News reported.

Two good samaritans then administered CPR on Brooks in the heavy rain before she was taken to a hospital where she later died.

The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office revealed on Monday that a severely intoxicated Brooks was dropped off along a road in a neighbourhood near Pelican Lakes Parkway after she was allegedly raped.

A 19-year-old was killed by a car. Four men who left her on the road are charged with rape

Tuesday 31 January 2023 14:45 , Andrea Blanco

When Madison Brooks was struck and killed by a car on 15 January, very few details were revealed about the circumstances surrounding her death.

But as her loved ones reeled from the sudden loss, the case took an unimaginable turn on 23 January when the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office announced the tragedy was not arbitrary, as initially thought.

The department accused four men of directly participating in or witnessing an alleged sexual assault of a very impaired and unable-to-consent Brooks before dropping her off on a dark side of the roadway where she would later be fatally injured.

The Independent’s Andrea Blanco is following the case:

Madison Brooks was killed by a car. Now, four men are charged with rape

ICYMI: What happened to Madison Brooks?

Tuesday 31 January 2023 14:00 , Andrea Blanco

Police investigating the tragic death of Louisiana State University (LSU) student Madison Brooks have arrested and charged four suspects with rape.

Brooks, 19, was allegedly sexually assaulted in a car on 15 January after a night of drinking in a Baton Rouge bar before being left on a dark road in the early hours of the morning, at which point she appears to have been struck by accident by a passing car, dying later in hospital of her injuries.

On 23 January, Kaivon Deondre Washington, 18, and a 17-year-old male who has not been named because of his age were charged with third-degree rape.

Mr Washington’s uncle, Everette Lee, 28, and Casen Carver, 18, were also charged with principal to rape.

“Madison was a daughter, a granddaughter, a sister, a niece, a classmate and a friend... By all accounts, she was an amazing young woman with limitless potential,” LSU president William F Tate said in a statement.

“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.”

 (Madison Brooks/VSCO)
(Madison Brooks/VSCO)

Funeral arrangements set for Madison Brooks

Tuesday 31 January 2023 13:00 , Rachel Sharp

Funeral arrangements have now been set for Madison Brooks.

The LSU student, 19, will be laid to rest in her hometown of Covington, Louisiana, on 3 February.

Her visitation will be held at St Peter Catholic Church in Covington from 11am on Friday followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1pm.

She will then be buried at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Covington, Louisiana.

Alleged rapists’ attorneys deny police’s claims that her blood alcohol concentration was four times over the legal limit

Tuesday 31 January 2023 12:00 , Rachel Sharp

In a press conference on Friday, attorneys Joe Long and Ron Haley questioned the accuracy of body alcohol level (BAC) results showing that 19-year-old Brooks was nearly four times over the legal limit at the time of her death, ABC affiliate WBRZ reports.

Mr Long represents 18-year-old Casen Carver, who is facing principal to rape charges. Mr Haley is the attorney for Kaivon Deondre Washington, 18, and Everett Lee, 28, charged with third-degree rape and principal to rape, respectively.

A 17-year-old, whose name has not been released because he is a minor, is also accused of raping Brooks.

The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office said that the men dropped Brooks off along a roadway where she was later fatally hit by a car.

“If you have a .391 [body alcohol level], your motor skills shut your body down. You can’t walk, you can’t talk, you’re lapsing in and out of a blackout,” Mr Long said.

“The evidence we’ve seen so far of Ms Brooks running across the street from Reggie’s undermines the police’s version of events, and until our experts can look at what happened, we believe that the BAC is inaccurate.”

Madison Brooks’ alleged and rape have brought awareness of ‘rape culture’ at LSU, students and parents say

Tuesday 31 January 2023 11:00 , Andrea Blanco

Tiffani Carlini Roberston, the mother of a female student at LSU, wrote in a touching post that 19-year-old Madison Brooks’ memory “is in the heart of every woman attending LSU as well as their mothers.”

Ms Roberston said Brooks’s story had resonated with many in the local community and made them realise that there is a bigger conversation to be had.

“We may never rid the world of sexual assault, but Madi’s beautiful life is bringing awareness of sexual assault to a generation that till now has kept their pain to themselves,” she told The Independent. “Our hearts are breaking for this family we’ve never known.”

Meanwhile, an LSU student has created an initiative for fellow females to have a safer way to get home after a night out.

“If you go to LSU or have a daughter, friend, family member or any GIRL that goes to LSU, I’ve taken the initiative to make a groupme for girls to reach out to other girls for a ride home or just help getting out of an uncomfortable situation,” Alisha Ortolano, a pre-vet student at LSU, wrote in a Facebook post.

Mr Ortolano encouraged students to get in touch with her to join the group. Only those with an LSU email account can sign up and join the GroupMe chat.

They can then offer to give rides to women who find themselves in “any uncomfortable situations.”

“Feel free to message me and ask for my phone number to put in your contacts if you ever need a ride. Please share this. I want this to reach as many LSU girls as possible!” she added.

LSU student’s family is ‘blown away’ by victim blaming as they say ‘rape is rape’

Tuesday 31 January 2023 10:09 , Rachel Sharp

The grieving family members of Madison Brooks have said they were “blown away” by the suspects’ attempts to victim blame as they said “rape is rape”.

On Friday, attorneys for Casen Carver, 18, Kaivon Deondre Washington, 18, Everett Lee, 28, and the unnamed fourth suspect, 17, held a press conference saying Brooks “wouldn’t have complained” about the alleged rape “if she was alive”.

Kerry Miller, an attorney representing Brooks’ family, slammed the comment telling Fox News Digital: “I was blown away by that comment. I mean their clients gave sworn statements that they raped a young girl who was intoxicated.

“What does he mean by that? That had she not been run over by a car seconds after being dropped off in the middle of the road that they wouldn’t have come forward and admitted their guilt? … Clearly a crime was committed. And I think that will be proven in court.”

He said he was speaking out to “set the record straight” so that the Louisiana State University (LSU) student “is not blamed as a victim” for her alleged rape and death.

“She was raped. Rape is rape,” he said.

“It’s just a horrific, terrible situation. And to the extent that those involved with the alleged rapist want to blame the victim and show up at press conferences and say things … we’re standing up for Maddie. That’s not right.”

VIDEO: Footage shows Madison Brooks on her final night

Tuesday 31 January 2023 09:30 , Andrea Blanco

Newly-released surveillance footage has captured Madison Brooks’ movements on her last night, before the Louisiana State University (LSU) student was allegedly raped and then struck and killed by a car.

From Baton Rouge bar to alleged rape and death, what happened to the LSU student?

Tuesday 31 January 2023 08:00 , Andrea Blanco

Police investigating the tragic death of Louisiana State University (LSU) student Madison Brooks have arrested and charged four suspects with rape.

Brooks, 19, was allegedly sexually assaulted in a car on 15 January after a night of drinking in a Baton Rouge bar before being left on a dark road in the early hours of the morning, at which point she appears to have been struck by accident by a passing car, dying later in hospital of her injuries.

On 23 January, Kaivon Deondre Washington, 18, and a 17-year-old male who has not been named because of his age were charged with third-degree rape.

Mr Washington’s uncle, Everette Lee, 28, and Casen Carver, 18, were also charged with principal to rape.

Here’s a timeline of the case:

From Baton Rouge bar to alleged rape and death, what happened to Madison Brooks?

Madison Brooks was killed by a car. Now, four men who left her on the road are charged with rape

Tuesday 31 January 2023 06:30 , Andrea Blanco

When Madison Brooks was struck and killed by a car on 15 January, very few details were revealed about the circumstances surrounding her death.

But as her loved ones reeled from the sudden loss, the case took an unimaginable turn on 23 January when the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office announced the tragedy was not arbitrary, as initially thought.

The department accused four men of directly participating in or witnessing an alleged sexual assault of a very impaired and unable-to-consent Brooks before dropping her off on a dark side of the roadway where she would later be fatally injured.

The Independent’s Andrea Blanco is following the case:

Madison Brooks was killed by a car. Now, four men are charged with rape

LSU student Madison Brooks was former employee at bar where she met her alleged rapists

Tuesday 31 January 2023 05:00 , Andrea Blanco

Louisiana State University student Madison Brooks once worked at the bar where she met the four men accused of raping her shortly before her death, The Independent has learned.

On the evening of 14 January, Ms Brooks was at Reggie’s bar in Baton Rouge, where she reportedly encountered the men now facing rape charges.

Kris Perret, an attorney for Reggie’s, has now confirmed to The Independent that Ms Brooks worked at the bar for a month, between 11 June and 11 July last year, as a “door girl” applying wristbands to patrons.

“She was terminated on or about July 11, 2022 after engaging in an altercation with another female employee,” Mr Perret said.

Authorities say Ms Brooks - who was visibly intoxicated - was sexually assaulted by the suspects in a car after leaving Reggie’s.

The suspects then allegedly dropped her off along a dark stretch of road in the early hours of 15 January. She was struck by a rideshare vehicle and killed soon after.

Kaivon Deondre Washington, 18, and a 17-year-old male, unnamed because he’s a minor, have been charged with rape in the third degree.

Mr Washington’s uncle Everette Lee, 28, and Casen Carver, 18, have been charged with principal to rape.

The three adult suspects have all been released on bond.

Brooks family attorney decries defence’s comments on victim’s test results

Tuesday 31 January 2023 03:30 , Andrea Blanco

Brooks family attorney Kerry Miller criticized the defence while speaking to WVUE.

Kavion Washington, 18, faces a charge of third-degree rape, Everett Lee, 20, and Casen Carver, 18, face charges of principle to third-degree rape, and a 17-year-old, unnamed because of his age, faces a charge of rape.

“To come out to mention evidence that they have and don’t show it, to contradict a gold standard blood alcohol test and not say on what basis they are doing it, it is a made-up smear campaign, absolutely shameful,” he said. “What the next week and several days are about is letting Madi’s family grieve.”

The office of the district attorney has said that the charges could be upgraded to first-degree rape if supported by the evidence and that a grand jury may be convened.

Wether the 17-year-old will be tried as an adult remains unsettled.

Kaivon Washington, Madison Brooks’ alleged rapist, arrested over second alleged rape in 2020

Tuesday 31 January 2023 02:00 , Andrea Blanco

One of four suspects charged in the rape of LSU student Madison Brooks — who was fatally hit by a car after the alleged assault — has been arrested in connection with a second rape dating back to 2020.

Kaivon Washington, 18, was charged this week with third-degree rape in the 15 January incident involving Ms Brooks, then posted bond on Thursday and was released in Baton Rouge.

On Friday, he turned himself in to authorities in Livingston Parish, about a half hour away, where he was booked on a count of first-degree rape stemming from an incident three years ago, according to The Advocate.

The Independent’s Sheila Flynn has the full story:

Madison Brooks suspect faces second rape charge for alleged 2020 assault of minor

Funeral for Madison Brooks will take place on 3 February

Tuesday 31 January 2023 00:30 , Andrea Blanco

Funeral arrangements have now been set for Madison Brooks.

The LSU student, 19, will be laid to rest in her hometown of Covington, Louisiana, on 3 February.

Her visitation will be held at St Peter Catholic Church in Covington from 11am on Friday followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1pm.

She will then be buried at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Covington.

Madison Brooks family hits out at ‘smear campaign’ by alleged attackers

Monday 30 January 2023 22:56 , Andrea Blanco

Brooks family attorney Kerry Miller told WVUE that “the goal of Madi’s mom is to never have this happen again, to never have any family feel the kind of pain she is feeling right now”.

Kavion Washington, 18, faces a charge of third-degree rape, Everett Lee, 20, and Casen Carver, 18, face charges of principle to third-degree rape, and a 17-year-old, unnamed because of his age, faces a charge of rape.

Defence lawyer Ron Haley told the local TV station that “this of course has captured the attention of our city, our state and the nation”.

“We do not intend to try this case in the media. We do however intend to state the pertinent facts in this case while being as sensitive as possible with all parties involved,” he added.

The lawyers representing the suspects – Mr Haley, Joe Long, Ryan Beaulieu, and Dale Glover – organised a press briefing on Friday, saying that they have video footage proving that Mr Washington and the 17-year-old are not guilty.

“The two defendants who engaged in consensual sexual acts with Ms Brooks did so after obtaining verbal consent,” Mr Haley told the press.

“The way this is being reported and taken out of context from the police report is factually inaccurate. Ms Brooks asked to be dropped off at a sorority sister’s house in Pelican Lakes. The driver complied. Ms Brooks left the car [of] her own volition, saying she would get an uber. She is seen on video leaving the car, unharmed and in good health. This will be confirmed by video at a later date.”

LSU student group slam university president’s statement in response to Madison Brooks death

Monday 30 January 2023 21:08 , Andrea Blanco

LSU College Democrats accused the president’s email of “victim-blaming” and demanded that the university renewed a “contract with sexual trauma awareness and response and release an accessible list of confidential registered trauma responders and organizations made by LSU.”

The group said that working with students to establish a concrete plan was pivotal to eradicating “rape culture” at the university.

LSU students slam university’s response to Madison Brooks’ alleged rape and death