Two former students of Vanderbilt University have been found guilty of four counts of aggravated rape, one count of attempted aggravated rape, two counts of aggravated sexual battery, and one count of tampering with evidence and unlawful photography by a jury in Nashville yesterday. Cory Batey and Brandon Vandenburg, both former football players, will hear their sentencing on March 6.
The victim was a neuroscience major at Vanderbilt, and is now pursuing a doctorate degree at another school. In June of 2013, Vandenburg and Batey carried the unconscious woman back to their dorm room, where she was raped. Parts of the incident were recorded on cell phone video, and then distributed to friends by Vandenburg. She said in a written statement that she hopes this case will help spur a solution to ending rape and sexual assault on college campuses.
The victim ended her written statement with a message for survivors. She said, “Finally, I want to remind other victims of sexual violence: You are not alone. You are not to blame.”
Two other former students and football players have also been charged, and will face a trial. Brandon Banks and Jaborian McKenzie have both pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Media Resources: The Tennessean 1/27/15
