Newswriting Sample

Five Auburn University Sigma Kappa Chi fraternity members have been charged with two counts of battery after hospitalizing two pledges Friday with serious internal bleeding and a sprained back.

Roland Dessaur, 19, was hospitalized for kidney damage and dehydration, and Eddie Muldaur, 20, was hospitalized for a sprained back and bruised buttocks. The hospital notified the Auburn city police because the injuries of the two pledges appeared to be the result of a crime. Detective Sgt. Albert Wei, the police officer who headed the investigation, said the incident happened during a fraternity meeting at which members “beat pledges with wooden paddles and canes and subjected them to other forms of physical and verbal abuse.” The hospital notified the police department during the investigation about four other pledges that suffered contusions. Carolyn Jones, a university spokesperson, said both university and national fraternity officials are investigating to determine what disciplinary actions, if any, should be taken against the fraternity. However, Ridge Forrester, an investigative officer from the national fraternity headquarters, said, “We promise to look into this serious matter and take serious action if the allegations prove true.”

The five students, all seniors, charged with two counts of battery each by the District Attorney’s office are: Ronald Cottrell, 22; Jacob Johns, 21; Phillip Morrison, 20; Bill Phelps, 22; and Johnny Phillips, 21. Cottrell and Morrison’s attorney said, “My clients were innocent bystanders who did not participate in this horseplay.” One of the victim’s mother, Andrea Dessaur, said, “My son’s life is at stake. I’m horrified and I’m scared. I’m also angry… these boys are gonna pay.”