RICHMOND, Va. -- Eight people have been arrested so far in connection to the death of VCU freshman Adam Oakes.
Oakes, a 19-year-old college student from Loudoun County, died from alcohol poisoning in February 2021.
His family said Oakes died after he received a bid to join the Delta Chi fraternity at VCU and that hazing played a role in his death.
They said he was told to drink a large bottle of whiskey and at some point in the evening, he hit his head.
His body was later discovered at a home on West Clay Street
VCU has since expelled the Delta Chi fraternity from the school for violating several policies, including hazing. They have also suspended seven of those students that have been charged.
Of the eight arrested, seven were taken into custody by VCU Police and one was taken into custody by Virginia State Police. Each is facing misdemeanor charges, according to Richmond Police.
Arrested by VCU Police:
- Benjamin J. Corado, 19 Charges: Unlawful Hazing of Student, Purchase, giving alcohol to a minor
- Quinn A. Kuby, 22 Charges: Unlawful Hazing of Student, Purchase, giving alcohol to a minor
- Riley K. McDaniel, 21 Charge: Unlawful Hazing of Student
- Alessandro Medina-Villanueva, 21 Charge: Unlawful Hazing of Student
- Jason B. Mulgrew, 21 Charge: Unlawful Hazing of Student
- Christian G. Rohrbach, 22 Charge: Unlawful Hazing of Student
- Colin G. Tran, 20 Charge: Unlawful Hazing of Student, Purchase, giving alcohol to a minor
Arrested by Virginia State Police:
- Enayat W. Sheikhzad - male, 22 Charge: Unlawful Hazing of Student
Sheikhzad was arrested by Virginia State Police in Prince William County and was released on bond.
After a hearing on Monday, seven were released on bond.
"This has been a long time coming. It's been seven months that we've been waiting to have these arrests made that we've been just waiting for some sort of justice for Adam and for our family in hopes that these guys can be held accountable for their actions," Adam Oakes' cousin Courtney White said speaking on behalf of the Oakes family. "For so long, the past six months, we as a family have had to watch [the suspects] pictures on Instagram and Facebook, riding in boats and celebrating Spring Break, and birthdays, and weddings and things with their families. All those things that we wish we could do with Adam, and then we're unable to do them because he's gone."
Richmond Police indicated 11 people total have been indicted in the case.
"Don't forget about who Adam was, and about Adam in this whole process. That's what these arrests are about. That's what these boys are being held accountable for, their actions towards him," White said. "We miss him every single day. We can't bring him back. The only thing that we can do is continue to fight for justice and continue to try to change that law so this doesn't happen to anybody else or any other family."
The Oakes family is pushing for changes to state law regarding hazing. The family wants the punishment for hazing injuries and death to be increased from a misdemeanor to a felony.
VCU shared the following response following the arrests:
VCU continues to mourn the tragic death of Adam Oakes and is grateful to the Richmond Police Department for its investigation. VCU is dedicated to continuing its efforts, announced this summer, to promote a safe and welcoming fraternity and sorority life culture for all.
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