Family of MU hazing victim continues push for Danny’s Law, as Southern University student’s death leads to more arrests

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Tom Santulli has not forgotten the early morning of Oct. 19 2021.

"We lose sleep all the time about what if Danny had 20 more minutes? What if the paramedics had got there 20 minutes, you know 30 minutes before," Santulli said.

Santulli learned then that his son, Danny Santulli, who was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity had been hospitalized following a hazing incident at the fraternity. Santulli was left unable to walk, talk or see after suffering a traumatic brain injury that night.

A recent alleged hazing incident at Southern University and A&M College in Louisiana has sparked national interest, as more suspects face charges, ABC News reported. Caleb Wilson, a 20-year-old junior at the university died after an alleged off-campus incident with the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. The Baton Rogue Police Department said he collapsed after being punched in the chest multiple times.

A group of men allegedly dropped him off at a local hospital unresponsive and claimed he had been hit in the chest while playing basketball, according to national reporting. It was later discovered that the incident actually happened at a pledge event for the fraternity.

Kyle Thurman, 25, Isaiah Smith, 28 and Caleb McCray, 23 all face felony hazing charges in connection with the incident. The three are accused of punching pledges with boxing gloves on Feb. 26, reporting indicates.

Like in Wilson's case, no one stayed with Santulli following the incident. However, Santulli's family is still hopeful that if passed, a new Missouri law will keep this from continuing.

Senate Bill 167, also known as "Danny's Law" would not allow a person to be found guilty of hazing if the person does the following:

• Was present at the event where hazing occurred and a person was in need of immediate medical assistance;
• Was the first person to call 911 or campus security to report the need for medical attention;
• Provided the relevant information to the 911 operator or campus security; and
• Remained at the scene until medical assistance arrived and cooperated with such assistance.

The Bill passed in the Senate 32-1. The Missouri House of Representatives had a second reading for the Bill on Feb. 24.

Tom Santulli said he testified last week to the House to continue his efforts to ensure there is a change. Santulli said his main message during this is that hazing still exists and will continue to happen if serious steps toward addressing hazing aren't taken.

Santulli said he believes his son is alive for a reason, and is already making an impact, something his family hopes to continue to do.

"We want to impact you know, crucial decisions parents are going to have to make for their son or daughter and if we're doing that, then we feel like we're adding to you know, society," Santulli said.

According to the University of Missouri's Community Conduct website, 13 fraternities have been found responsible for violating the university's standard of conduct since 2021. Alpha Epsilon Pi is currently on disciplinary probation until Feb. 1, 2026, due to a September 2023 incident.

The most recent incidents allegedly occurred at Beta Sigma Psi on Sept. 16 and 23 2024.

The website does not say specifically what the fraternity is accused of or what they've been sanctioned.

ABC 17 News reached out to MU for more information, but spokesman Christopher Ave said additional information isn't known. However, Ave said every report is taken seriously by the university.

"Safety is a top priority at Mizzou and we have established strong partnerships and evidence-based training and prevention programs to combat hazing in all its forms," the statement reads. "Mizzou reviews every report of potential hazing that we receive. Potential outcomes of investigations include disciplinary action up to expulsion from campus, as well as involvement of law enforcement."

If passed, Danny's Law would take effect Aug. 28 2025.

A number of former Fiji members at MU took plea deals in the Santulli hazing case. The fraternity was kicked off MU’s campus in 2021.