money 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
Funeral arrangements set for Madison Brooks
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
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
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’
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
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?
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
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
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
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
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
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 Mogen's father reveals what he did when he learned of Bryan Kohberger’s arrest
Monday 30 January 2023 23:06 , Andrea Blanco
The devastated father of slain University of Idaho student Madison Mogen has revealed that he just “broke down and cried” when he learned that his daughter’s accused killer had been taken into custody by police.
Ben Mogen had been clinging onto hope that the murderer who violently stabbed his daughter to death alongside her friends Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin would be brought to justice.
Finally, seven weeks on from the 13 November slayings, an investigator broke the news to him that a suspect – Bryan Kohberger – had finally been arrested and charged with their murders.
Mr Mogen spoke out about the moment that he learned about the break in the case on ABC’s “Good Morning America” earlier this month.
“He said, ‘Ben, this is the moment we’ve been waiting for,’” he said the officer told him.
“I just broke down, and I just cried.”
The grieving father said that learning about Mr Kohberger’s arrest felt like “a huge weight that got lifted”.
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
Attorneys for Madison Brooks’ alleged rapists allege her body alcohol level results are “incorrect"
Monday 30 January 2023 20:21 , 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.”
Will the 17-year-old suspect be tried as an adult?
Monday 30 January 2023 19:30 , 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.
Attorney for Brooks’ family slams comments by the defence team that Madison ‘wouldn’t have complained’ about alleged rape
Monday 30 January 2023 18:46 , Andrea Blanco
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 saying Brooks “wouldn’t have complained about it if she was alive.”
“I was blown away by that comment. I mean their clients gave sworn statements that they raped a young girl who was intoxicated,” Mr Miller told Fox News Digital.
“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, they wouldn’t have come forward and admitted their guilt? I guess that’s what he means.”
Lawyers for alleged rapists say community wants ‘somebody to pay for Madison Brooks’ death’
Monday 30 January 2023 17:57 , Andrea Blanco
Attorneys Joe Long and Ron Haley claimed on Friday that the charges against the four men accused of raping Brooks were filed because prosecutors wanted “someone to pay” for her death.
“We believe that if Ms Brooks was alive, this wouldn’t be a crime. She wouldn’t have complained about it at all,” Mr Long said. “There is understandable anger in the community, and [they] want somebody to pay for her death.”
“We understand that, but our clients did not [commit a crime.]”
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.
VIDEO: Surveillance footage shows Madison Brooks leaving bar before her death and alleged rape
Monday 30 January 2023 17:00 , 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.
According to the footage, Brooks could be seen crossing the street with four people near Reggie’s bar in Baton Rouge and moving towards the parking lot, reported CBS affiliate WAFB.
Authorities said that Brooks - who was visibly intoxicated - was sexually assaulted by the suspects in a car after leaving Reggie’s.
Family remembers Madison as ‘pure joy and light'
Monday 30 January 2023 16:15 , 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.”
Madison Brooks’ family slams ‘shameful smear campaign’ by suspects’ attorneys
Monday 30 January 2023 15:30 , 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.”
Madison Brooks was killed by a car. Now, four men who left her on the road are charged with rape
Monday 30 January 2023 14:30 , Rachel Sharp
When Madison Brooks was struck and killed by a car on 15 January, very few details were revealed about the circumstances surrounding her death.
The 19-year-old Louisiana State University student was remembered by her friends and family as a bright and joyful young woman who had a lasting effect on everyone she met. Her sorority sisters at Alpha Phi said that Madi — as she was known to those who loved her — had made the ultimate gesture that conveyed her generous personality by donating her heart and kidneys to save others.
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 students slam university’s response to Madison Brooks’ case
Monday 30 January 2023 14:00 , Rachel Sharp
Lousiana State University students have slammed the university’s president saying his statement about the Madison Brooks case “falls short of” addressing the issue of sexual assault and consent.
In a statement published last week, LSU’s Feminists in Action decried president William F Tate’s response to the alleged sexual assault that 19-year-old Brooks suffered before being dropped off by the suspects along a roadway and fatally hit by a car on 15 January.
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.”
Video taken by suspect shows them ‘having a conversation with Madison Brooks,’ attorneys say
Monday 30 January 2023 23:36 , 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 rape suspects’ lawyers are denying police claims that she was drunk
Monday 30 January 2023 13:30 , Rachel Sharp
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.
Read more here:
Attorneys for the defence clarify that video taken by suspect shows them ‘having a conversation with Madison Brooks’
Monday 30 January 2023 13:00 , 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.
Will the 17-year-old suspect be tried as an adult?
Monday 30 January 2023 12:30 , Rachel Sharp
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.
Madison Brooks timeline: From Baton Rouge bar to alleged rape and death, what happened to the LSU student?
Monday 30 January 2023 12:00 , Rachel Sharp
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’ mother calls for this ‘never to happen again’
Monday 30 January 2023 11:30 , Rachel Sharp
Madison Brooks’ devastated mother is calling for this to “never happen again” as she prepares to lay her daughter to rest this week.
Attorney Kerry Miller, who is representing the family of Brooks, told WAFB that the family doesn’t want any other family to go through what they are.
“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,” he said.
He added: “People around her should not have taken advantage of her. They should have protected her.
“Gotten her home safely. Which is the opposite of what these individuals did.”
Madison Brooks’ alleged rapist ordered not to comment on the case on social media after being released on bond
Monday 30 January 2023 11:00 , Andrea Blanco
Kaivon Deondre Washington, 18; a 17-year-old male who has not been named due to his age; Everette Lee, 28; and Casen Carver, 18, were charged on Monday with the sexual assault of 19-year-old Brooks.
The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office said that a severely intoxicated Brooks was callously dropped off along a road in a neighbourhood near Pelican Lakes Parkway after two of the suspects allegedly raped her in the early morning hours of 15 January.
Brooks was hit by a vehicle and died hours later in the hospital.
On Wednesday, Mr Lee and Mr Carter, who are facing charges of principal to rape, were released after posting bonds of $75,000 and $50,000, respectively, local news station WBRZ reported.
Mr Washington also posted bail on Wednesday.
Under the bond terms, the released suspects were ordered not to make social media posts about the case or make contact with Brooks’ family, to submit for random drug testing and be placed on house arrest and to wear an ankle monitor. The 17-year-old’s bond hearing has been postponed to February.
Madison Brooks’ suspect arrested over second alleged rape in 2020
Monday 30 January 2023 10:30 , Rachel Sharp
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.
Arrest documents show that a 12-year-old girl told police Washington had raped her at a pool party in Walker in May 2020, the newspaper reported. He allegedly followed her into a room at her apartment, pulled off her towel, threw her on the bed and raped her while covering her mouth, according to the affidavit.
The Independent’s Sheila Flynn has the full story:
Madison Brooks suspect faces second rape charge for alleged 2020 assault of minor
Funeral arrangements set for Madison Brooks
Monday 30 January 2023 10:00 , 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.
Madison Brooks' family slams ‘shameful smear campaign’ by suspects’ attorneys
Monday 30 January 2023 09:30 , Rachel Sharp
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.”
Madison Brooks once worked at the bar where she met her alleged rapists
Monday 30 January 2023 09:00 , 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.
Attorneys for alleged rapists deny police claims that she was drunk
Monday 30 January 2023 07:00 , Andrea Blanco
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.”
Judge says that video suspects claimed proved their innocence instead proves a crime took place
Monday 30 January 2023 05:00 , Andrea Blanco
Kaivon Deondre Washington, 18; a 17-year-old male who has not been named due to his age, Everette Lee, 28; and Casen Carver, 18; have been charged with the rape of 19-year-old student Madison Brooks, before she was struck by a car and killed.
Brooks, a 19-year-old Alpha Phi sorority sister, had spent the night of 14 January at Reggie’s Bar in Baton Rouge where she allegedly met her attackers.
The three adult suspects appeared in court on Tuesday. At the bond hearing, 19th Judicial District Judge Brad Myers said that he had watched a video filmed by one of the four suspects inside the car with Brooks.
The judge said that the video shows the suspects “callously” laughing at the drunk 19-year-old woman as she slurred her words, reported local outlet WAFB.
The judge concluded that – based on the two videos and statements made by Mr Carver to investigators – he said it was clear that a crime had occurred that fateful night.
“The evidence to me is clear,” he said.
The suspects’ attorneys said on Friday that the video won’t be released at this time.
Reggie’s bar has liquor lincense suspended following Madison Brooks’ death
Monday 30 January 2023 03:00 , Andrea Blanco
The Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control announced last week that it was issuing an emergency suspension for Reggie’s bar.
On Tuesday, the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control announced that it was issuing an emergency suspension for Reggie’s bar
The agency cited “the seriousness of the allegations and the potential threat to public safety”.
“This action immediately suspends the service or sale of alcoholic beverages at these locations,” it said in a statement.
The state agency said that an emergency hearing will be held in February to determine what penalties, if any, should be imposed “following a presentation of the evidence”.
Kris Perret, an attorney for Reggie’s Bar, said in a statement to The Independent that the owner has fully cooperated with the investigation.
“With regards to the current temporary suspension of Reggie’s license, the owners of Reggie’s will continue to cooperate with state and local authorities, as we have done since their first request for assistance in their investigations of this incident,” he added.
“We look forward to meeting with State ATC and East Baton Rouge ABC officials as soon as possible to address their concerns and to insure they have all of the complete and accurate facts and all information they require to complete their investigation.”
The bar has denied serving alcohol to Ms Brooks, alleging that she got into the bar with a fake ID.
Madison Brooks’ alleged and rape have brought awareness of ‘rape culture’ at LSU, students and parents say
Monday 30 January 2023 01:00 , 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.
WATCH: Footage shows Madison Brooks on her final night
Sunday 29 January 2023 23:00 , 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.
Three adult suspects in Madison Brooks case have been released on bond
Sunday 29 January 2023 21:00 , Andrea Blanco
Kaivon Deondre Washington, 18; a 17-year-old male who has not been named due to his age; Everette Lee, 28; and Casen Carver, 18, were charged on Monday with the sexual assault of 19-year-old Brooks.
The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office said that a severely intoxicated Brooks was callously dropped off along a road in a neighbourhood near Pelican Lakes Parkway after two of the suspects allegedly raped her in the early morning hours of 15 January.
Brooks was hit by a vehicle and died hours later in the hospital.
On Wednesday, Mr Lee and Mr Carter, who are facing charges of principal to rape, were released after posting bonds of $75,000 and $50,000, respectively, local news station WBRZ reported.
Mr Washington also posted bail on Wednesday.
Under the bond terms, the released suspects were ordered not to make social media posts about the case or make contact with Brooks’ family, to submit for random drug testing and be placed on house arrest and to wear an ankle monitor. The 17-year-old’s bond hearing has been postponed to February.
Video of Madison Brooks with suspects does not depict them having sex, attorneys clarify
Sunday 29 January 2023 19:00 , 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 ‘was pure joy and light,’ family says
Sunday 29 January 2023 17:00 , 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.”
Defence lawyers allege that Madison Brooks exited accused rapists’ car after saying she would get an Uber instead
Sunday 29 January 2023 15:00 , Andrea Blanco
In a press conference on Friday, attorneys Joe Long and Ron Haley said that 19-year-old Brooks had initially asked the group for a ride to a sorority house near Pelican Lakes, but after an argument unfolded, she allegedly said she would be taking an Uber instead.
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 way this is being reported, taken out of context from the police report, is factually inaccurate,” he said.
LSU student group slam university president’s statement in response to Madison Brooks death
Sunday 29 January 2023 13:00 , 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
Freshman at LSU creates safe way for students to get home after a night out
Sunday 29 January 2023 11:00 , Andrea Blanco
Following Madison Brook’s death earlier this month, 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.
It comes as nineteen-year-old Brooks was killed on 15 January after a ride-share driver hit her while she was standing in a dark roadway in Baton Rouge.
On Monday, local news station KSLA reported that Brooks was dropped off near the site of the crash by four men now accused of participating in or witnessing her rape moments before.
