Interim Boone County prosecutor releases statement on hazing accusations at Mizzou
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Interim Boone County Prosecutor Nicholas Komoroski released a statement on the investigation and lack of charges into the alleged hazing that left a freshman unable to see, talk or walk.
Komoroski says the Boone County Prosecutor's Office is reviewing the investigation and may file additional criminal charges if necessary.
"I cannot comment on pending criminal cases and likewise cannot discuss possible criminal cases under review. This office takes allegations of hazing very seriously and we are terribly saddened by the injuries sustained by Danny Santulli," said Komoroski.
David Bianchi, the Santulli's lawyer issued the following statement following Komoroski's release:
It is a sad day in Columbia, Missouri when the prosecutor's office will not make a charging decision in the eight months since this incident took place. For months now, the prosecutors have had in their possession a very comprehensive 144 page police report in addition to dozens of hours of real time surveillance video that recorded everything that happened when this dangerous and illegal hazing event took place. There is no excuse for not having filed hazing charges by now. Why will they not enforce the hazing laws in Missouri? They have everything they need. Something is going on here that we don't know about.
David Bianchi, the Santullis' lawyer
Prosecutors have already charged Alec B. Wetzler with misdemeanor counts of supplying liquor to a minor or intoxicated person and purchase or possession of liquor by a minor. A court hearing for Wetzler is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. July 7.
Wetzler is accused of providing alcohol to 18-year-old Santulli and other pledges on Oct. 19.
A probable cause statement from University Police shows officers suggested there is enough evidence to charge Wetzler with a Class D Felony under Missouri's anti-hazing law.
Police recommended charges under Missouri's anti-hazing statute, which could be a felony. Bianchi said last week that he doesn't understand why harsher charges have not been filed in the investigation and that MU police gave prosecutors a 125-page report of their findings.
Santulli's family settled a lawsuit filed against 23 defendants last month. The family accused the defendants of not checking on Santulli or calling 911 before he was taken to the hospital.
Bianchi said last month that Santulli has incurred more than $1.6 million in medical bills. He filed a petition last week to add two more defendants to the lawsuit over Santulli's poisoning.
Interim prosecutor Komoroski took over the office after the death of Dan Knight.
