A lawyer for the family of slain Louisiana State University sophomore Madison Brooks blasted the suspects accused of raping her for starting a “smear campaign” after claiming she gave consent, WFAB 9 reports.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, 19-year-old Brooks was drinking at Reggie’s Bar near the LSU campus in Baton Rouge on January 15, when she asked Kaivon Washington, 18; Everette Lee, 28; Casen Carver, 18; and a 17-year-old for a ride home. She allegedly said she was intoxicated and couldn’t find her friends.
Washington and the minor are now accused of raping Brooks in the back seat of the car, with Lee and Carver in the front seat. Then, since Brooks was purportedly unable to tell them where she lived, they dropped her off in a subdivision; she was later hit by a car driven by a ride-share driver.
Madison passed away from her injuries at a hospital.
Kelly Miller, a lawyer for Brooks’ family, said the victim’s blood alcohol level during the time of the alleged rape has been brushed aside by the defense. Now, Brooks’ family, according to Miller, is pushing for awareness in hopes that it doesn’t happen to another student.
“Really 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,” Miller told WAFB on Saturday.
Defense lawyer Ron Haley, who represents the defendants, claimed that the two men accused of raping Brooks said they obtained verbal consent numerous times before the act took place.
“The two defendants who engaged in consensual sexual acts with Ms. Brooks did so after obtaining verbal consent,” Haley said.
Still, Miller says it’s shameful that the defense is attempting to “contradict” the blood alcohol test, which reportedly showed that Brooks’ blood alcohol level was nearly four times the legal limit in Lousiana.
“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,” Miller said. “What the next week and several days are about is letting Madi’s family grieve.”
Washington and the 17-year-old have been charged with third-degree rape, which Louisiana law says involves a victim who is “incapable of resisting or of understanding the nature of the act by reason of a stupor or abnormal condition of mind produced by an intoxicating agent or any cause and the offender knew or should have known of the victim’s incapacity.”
Carver and Lee have been charged with principle to rape, which means they were present but did not take part and did nothing to stop it.
LSU President William F. Tate IV said in a statement that what happened to Brooks “was evil” and that the university, which frequently appears on lists of top “party schools” in the United States, would “take action.”
“Our action plan starts with a deep and relentless focus on any establishment that profits off our students by providing alcohol to underage individuals. In the coming days, we will call a meeting with these business owners to discuss how their responsibilities directly impact the safety of our students. We will work openly against any business that doesn’t join us in efforts toward creating a safer environment for our students. Enough is enough.”
Tate also called on Baton Rouge business leaders and residents “to work together and join us in this effort.”
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[Featured image: Madison Brooks/Handout]
