Fraternity member arrested for assault
Jeffrey Forkan was charged with third-degree assault in the beating of 20-year-old Daniel Maddox on Oct. 15.
Published Oct. 28, 2005
Columbia police arrested a Kappa Alpha Order fraternity member Thursday in connection with the beating of a 20-year-old Maryland man in front of the suspect's fraternity house.
Jeffrey Forkan was arrested on suspicion of third-degree assault in the beating of Daniel Maddox. Maddox, a Maryland resident who was visiting Columbia, told police he was beaten by six men at 3 a.m. Oct. 15 in front of the Kappa Alpha house at 1301 University Ave.
Forkan said he could not comment on his arrest.
"It's actively being investigated," Columbia police Sgt. Ken Hammond said. Hammond said he could not comment on Forkan's arrest.
In a news release issued on Thursday, the Interfratenty Council — the governing body for 28 MU fraternities — stated the council and Kappa Alpha are working with investigators.
"The Interfraternity Council takes potential violations very seriously," it stated. "If these allegations are found to be true, appropriate action will be taken."
IFC spokesman Zack Jemas did not return phone calls seeking further comment on the incident and investigation.
Maddox said he suffered severe injuries in the attack, including trauma to his left eye, a scar from his left temple to left eye and a concussion.
"They called me 'pretty boy' and 'faggot' over and over again," Maddox said.
According to the police report, Maddox said he was called "faggot" during the altercation. Maddox said he is not gay.
Hammond would not comment on possible motives for the crime.
Kappa Alpha President Chip Wagner said he could not comment on the investigation.
"Kappa Alpha does not stand for inequality of any type, and we stand by the values of the university," Wagner said.
He said the fraternity is working with the university and the Department of Student Life during its investigation.
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Cathy Scroggs said that the Office of Student Affairs is still investigating the incident and has not made any decisions on sanctions for the fraternity or its members.
"The language that was used was very harmful, and it causes people to feel unsafe," Scroggs said. "Our job is to make people feel safe."
The use of the epithet led Mizzou Students for Gay and Lesbian Equality to hand out white ribbons and fliers at Speaker's Circle on Thursday.
"We will hold those accountable responsible for their actions," Scroggs said. "We will let our judicial office handle the situation and make recommendations on any disciplinary sanctions."