Fraternity burglarized

By Esten Hurtle

Published Jan. 25, 2008

Two members of the MU chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity were arrested on the morning of Jan. 15 on suspicion of first-degree burglary and felony stealing.

Columbia Police Capt. Zim Schwartze said the suspects broke into the house of neighboring fraternity Kappa Sigma.

"We received a call at approximately 2:15 about a burglary in progress at the Kappa Sigma house," Schwartze said. "The officers responded and were able to arrest one suspect still inside the fraternity house, and through investigation we were able to identify a second suspect who had run from the fraternity house as officers were arriving and were able to arrest him later that day."

Sophomores Stephen Pickens and Daniel Ringkamp are no longer being held at Boone County Jail.

Kappa Sigma Alumni Adviser Ralph Henndrich said the burglary was not part of an organized prank.

"We had a couple of rogue individuals break into the house and do some damage," Henndrich said. "We are saddened by the fact that this occurred. We are not vengeful."

The Office of Greek Life is investigating whether Sigma Alpha Epsilon was involved in the break-in, according to Interfraternity Council spokesman Sam Hargadine. As a result of this ongoing investigation, no disciplinary action is yet being considered.

"I'm not familiar with any ongoing feuds," Hargadine said. "A lot of time what happens is individual people make mistakes and they aren't representing their chapter as a whole."

It took the police a long time to search the large house and to catch the burglars, Schwartze said.

"If you have a large building you're searching, that takes more time and more officers," Schwartze said.

Henndrich said security measures such as an alarm system were in place.

Henndrich said he is optimistic that similar incidents will not happen in the future.

"There are 35 guys living in the house and the parking lot's full of cars," he said. "It wouldn't happen now. This occurred over Christmas break, and no one was there except for two guys."

Even with the number of people now living in the house, Henndrich said the fraternity had increased security measures.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon President Chris Lupo declined to comment.