In a disturbing case unfolding at Assumption University in Worcester, Massachusetts, five students face serious legal charges after attempting to mimic a viral TikTok trend reminiscent of the television show ‘To Catch a Predator.’
According to police reports, the students used a dating app to entice a man onto their campus, subsequently assaulting him. This incident, occurring on October 1, 2024, has led to charges against Joaquin Smith, Isabella Trudeau, Kevin Carroll, Kelsy Brainard, and Easton Randall. Specific charges include kidnapping and conspiracy, with Carroll also facing charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and Brainard charged with witness intimidation.
The plan reportedly involved Kelsy Brainard using Tinder to arrange a meeting with the victim, under the guise of him meeting a young girl. However, the scheme took a violent turn when the group allegedly attacked the man. Brainard initially misled campus police by claiming to be the victim, accusing the man of attempting to meet an underage girl. This turned out to be a fabricated report, aiming to mask their actions under the pretense of vigilance against a supposed predator.
An eyewitness report and video footage revealed that when the man arrived at the dormitory, instead of handling the situation legally, Brainard and others mocked him and subjected him to physical assault. The victim was able to free himself from the initial altercation, fleeing from a group of approximately 25 pursuers. However, they continued the attack upon reaching his car, where they physically assaulted him further, including slamming his head with the car door.
Assumption University’s administration has condemned the actions, stating these behaviors starkly contrast with the institution’s ethos. Their spokesperson emphasized the potential harm of irresponsible social media trends and the commitment to maintaining a respectful and safe campus environment. Currently, disciplinary actions against the students are under review, with arraignment scheduled for January 16, 2025.
This case illustrates the dangerous outcomes of misusing social media trends for vigilante justice, highlighting the need for responsible behavior and the adherence to legal protocols by individuals and institutions alike.
Source: Wsvn
