An earlier version of this article identified suspect Justin Otis’ mother as a Maricopa County judge. She is a former Maricopa County judge and currently works for the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.
The ASU police department is looking into a brutal gang assault that occurred near campus in Tempe. One victim was taken to the hospital for injuries sustained during the group attack.
It occurred on September 28, and court documents suggest that the incident began in a dorm room at Hassayampa Academic Village. The victim was hanging out with a buddy when a bunch of males, unknown to her, arrived. One of them allegedly “shoulder checked” the victim, which resulted in a brief verbal argument.
That gang then departed their dorm room. When the victim fled, surveillance footage captured a group of five to six males recognizing him and crossing the street to approach him.
One suspect is seen throwing the first punch, and as the victim defends himself, another suspect steps in and pulls the victim to the ground. He dropped to his back.
More suspects then jumped in, beating and kicking him repeatedly in the torso and head, even holding him down, according to court papers.
The violence came to an end after another person intervened.
The victim was hospitalized and admitted to the intensive care unit with a broken nose and a head injury. He also had bruises on his abdomen and face.
So far, ASU police have arrested four people: one minor, Jayden Malik Smith (19), Donnell Young (18), and Justin Michael Otis (18). Police stated that none of them are ASU students.
They are facing serious assault accusations.
During an initial hearing before a judge, the prosecutor stated that they believe they should also be charged with “swarming,” a new offense under Preston’s Law in which three or more persons assault one person. It was established in memory of Preston Lord, who was slain in a group attack two years ago.
The Preston’s statute charges were not included on ASU PD’s original paperwork because the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office booking system had not yet been modified to reflect the new statute, according to a prosecutor.
The three adult suspects were issued $10,000 secured appearance bonds.
The ASU Police Department stated that its investigation is still ongoing.
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