HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- A man charged with beating a fellow student at the University of Southern Mississippi has been released after posting a $15,000 bond.
Chase LaGarde appeared in court Friday without an attorney. Justice Court Judge Pat Causey ordered him to stay away from the victim, Stuart Ramsey, and the campus.
LaGarde, 21, of Bush, La., is charged with aggravated assault in the Nov. 4 beating of Ramsey, a 19-year-old from Jackson.
Authorities said Ramsey sustained a concussion, a broken hand, lacerations and bruises. University Police Chief Bob Hopkins told The Hattiesburg American that the investigation is continuing.
LaGarde had lived at the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity house. However, members were told to vacate the building Friday after the organization was suspended. University officials said fraternity members failed to cooperate in the investigation of Ramsey's beating.
Vice President for Student Affairs Joe Paul said the fraternity's past violations including bullying and harassing members and alcohol violations. Paul said the earliest the fraternity could reopen is in the fall of 2011.
The national Sigma Phi Epsilon organization also revoked the chapter's charter.
Link: http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com
