Hazing incident: ‘Visibly injured’ students found covered with food, liquids, police say

MADISON, Wisconsin (WISN) — Madison police said they are investigating a case of possible hazing after finding 30 people covered in food, condiments and other liquids inside the basement of a fraternity house Wednesday night.

Once inside, police said they found several people in the basement — most of whom were 18 years old, police said.

“Several of these men had visible injuries consistent with being physically assaulted. A thermostat in the room was set to 81 degrees, creating hot and humid conditions,” Madison police said.

Police arrested Brayden Klein, 20, and Samuel Vane, 20, and booked them into jail for hazing and disorderly conduct.

Madison police said Alpha Epsilon Pi is an unrecognized and unaccredited student organization. The University of Wisconsin said the organization’s status was terminated in 2015.

According to investigators, officers received an anonymous tip that led them to the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity house near Carroll and Langdon streets.

“We will be in contact with their national chapter and speaking with them. I believe they will have their own sanctions and stuff like that could be in play there,” Captain Kipp Hartman with the Madison Police Department said in a press conference, Thursday.

Since this chapter continues to be recognized by its national organization, it is legally allowed to operate as a fraternity chapter unaffiliated with the university,” the university said in a statement.