SEVEN SUSPECTS CHARGED WITH HATE CRIMES AT SALISBURY UNIVERSITY OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING

Salisbury, MD - The Salisbury Police Department was recently notified by the Salisbury University Police Department that an assault took place at an off-campus residence designated for Salisbury University students.

The incident came to light through a mobile video that showed an adult male being assaulted by a group of college-aged men.

After a detailed investigation, detectives discovered that the victim was tricked into visiting a residence at the University Terrace by a group of men under spurious pretenses.

Once he entered the residence, he was surrounded by numerous students, all of whom were college-aged men, who forced him to sit in a chair that was isolated in the living room. The victim was subjected to physical abuse - he was kicked, punched, and spit on while being demeaned with derogatory slurs.

Each time the victim tried to escape the premises, he was tossed back onto the floor, preventing his escape. The ordeal lasted for an extended period before the victim was finally allowed to leave the apartment. The assault resulted in the victim seeking medical help, revealing he had sustained body-wide bruising and a broken rib.

One of the major revelations from the investigation was that the victim was targeted based on his sexual orientation. As the investigation unfolded, detectives identified the seven men involved in the assault, who were also found to be associated with a fraternity at Salisbury University.

The individuals involved have been identified as:

• Ryder Baker, aged 20, from Olney, MD
• Berman Aird, aged 18, from Milton, DE
• Riley Brister, aged 20, from Davidsonville, MD
• Cruz Cespedes, aged 19, from Jarrettsville, MD
• Dylan Earp, aged 20, from Gambrills, MD
• Elijah Johnson, aged 19, from Crofton, MD
• Zachary Leinemann, aged 18, from Crofton, MD

Each of the individuals listed has been charged with the following:

• First Degree Assault
• False Imprisonment
• Reckless Endangerment
• Additional Hate Crime Charges

Eastern Shore Undercover firmly stands against any form of hate crime. We assertively uphold this stance in our quest for justice, equality, and a harmonious society. There is no place in our community, or any community, for such heinous acts of injustice.