7 WVU Students Charged After Man, 21, Is Found Bound In Car Trunk As Part Of Frat Prank
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (KDKA) -- Morgantown Police have filed charges against several West Virginia University students in connection with what they say was part of a fraternity prank.
Police were called to Spruce Street near Forest Avenue around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday for witness reports of someone being beaten and stuffed in the trunk of a car.
According to investigators, officers who responded to the scene found 21-year-old Christopher Grace of Arlington, Virginia, bound with duct tape in a trunk.
Several other young men were trying to get away in a Nissan Altima, police say. They had cuts and scrapes on their hands and knees.
After taking them into custody, police say they determined the entire incident was part of a prank by the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.
Seven people are facing disorderly conduct charges in the incident. They include:
- Luke Russillo, 18, of Smyrna, Delaware
- Joseph Russillo, 18, of Smyrna, Delaware
- Chadwick Miller, 18, of Sewell, New Jersey
- Matthew Kinker, 19, of Crystal Lake, Illinois
- Tyler Audette, 18, of Massapequa, New York
- Austin Harpin, 21, of Feeding Hills, Massachusetts
- Cody Heffelinger, 18, of Coopersburg, Pennsylvania
West Virginia University has released this statement on the incident:
"West Virginia University officials are aware of an incident reported today (Nov. 4) in downtown Morgantown involving the Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta. Roy Baker, associate dean of students and director of Greek Life, immediately contacted the fraternity's national chapter, and said his office is looking into the matter that is being investigated by Morgantown Police and will take appropriate action once all the facts are known. The matter will also be reviewed by the Office of Student Conduct."
Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter
