COLUMBIA, Missouri – A former member of a University of Missouri fraternity has pleaded guilty to hazing another student that caused blindness and significant brain damage.
Ryan P. Delanty, of Manchester, Missouri, pleaded guilty Friday in Boone County to furnishing alcoholic beverages to a minor and misdemeanor hazing, reported St. As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors will recommend a sentence of six months in prison followed by six months of house arrest. Sentencing will be on May 24.
October 2021 hazing at a Phi Gamma Delta fraternity event left freshman Danny Santulli unable to see, walk or talk.
“Ryan understands the gravity of the situation and is pleased to reach a resolution that avoided a trial,” said Delanty’s attorney, Stephanie Fortus.
Santulli was pledging his fraternity in October when he was found unconscious due to alcohol poisoning. Authorities said his blood alcohol content was 0.486, six times the legal limit.
The fraternity’s chapter was closed. Santulli’s relatives filed a civil lawsuit against the fraternity and 23 members. It was settled for an unspecified amount in 2022.
Another fraternity member, Thomas Shultz of Chesterfield, Missouri, pleaded guilty in April to furnishing alcohol to a minor. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail, two years of probation and was ordered to perform community service and complete a drug and alcohol education program.
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