University of Hartford student Brianna Brochu was arrested over the weekend, and later expelled, on multiple charges after she was caught bragging on Instagram about some of the disturbing things she had done to her roommate, Chennel "Jazzy" Rowe.
Let me introduce you to Briana Brochu. She was just arrested for the repeated criminal assault of her Black coll… https://t.co/FdrQIVC7TC— Shaun King (@Shaun King)1509501185.0
The arrest followed a Facebook live video in which Rowe, a freshman, explained that she had felt ill since the beginning of the school year, starting with a sore throat she attributed to a cold. After several weeks, she could barely speak. Then, when she decided to move out of the dorm room that she shared with Brochu, two R.A.'s approached her to let her know what Brochu had just posted on Instagram.
https://www.facebook.com/jazzy.rowe.7/videos/1739654452736199/
The message read: "Finally did it yo girl got rid of her roommate!! After 1 1/2 month of spitting in her coconut oil, putting moldy clam dip in her lotions, rubbing used tampons oh [sic] her backpack, putting her toothbrush places where the sun doesn't shine, and so much more I can finally say goodbye Jamaican Barbie."
"I can finally say goodbye to Jamaican Barbie" This is a crime. she could have killed her. #JUSTICEFORJAZZY https://t.co/c3cKsgKhqp— tsunami taj (@tsunami taj)1509469111.0
Rowe's video apparently helped law enforcement to bring stricter charges against Brochu, including third-degree criminal mischief and second-degree breach of peace, as well as a hate crime charge.
Chennel "Jazzy" Rowe's video helped push officials to bring harsher charges against Brianna Brochu https://t.co/5lMYo7jQwQ #justiceforjazzy— Tom Cleary (@Tom Cleary)1509566065.0
JUST IN: Police say Chennel Rowe’s now-former roommate has been charged with a hate crime.— Carmen Chau (@Carmen Chau)1509552500.0
Many on Twitter were shocked by the video and Brochu's alleged behavior, as Rowe's account quickly went viral:
I literally have no words for this... #JusticeForJazzy https://t.co/KNGFrIS4Sp— Blake ⛽️ (@Blake ⛽️)1509464540.0
The hashtag #JusticeForJazzy began trending on Twitter, with many voicing their support for Rowe:
Y’all she could have DIED if this disgusting behavior went on any further. Jazzy deserves to get justice #JusticeForJazzy— famatta💫 (@famatta💫)1509489482.0
And calling out Brochu for her disgusting behavior:
Wow, so the girl who poisoned Jazzy has a whole page of her doing braids & dreadlocks... BLACK hair styles.… https://t.co/pAdumUnNm9— tsunami taj (@tsunami taj)1509491875.0
Briana Brochu is repulsive and evil. She needs to be charged with multiple hate crimes and given a lengthy prison sentence. #JusticeforJazzy— Laura Miers (@Laura Miers)1509547875.0
After multiple calls for the University of Hartford to take action against Brochu, Hartford President Gregory S. Woodward released a statement on Tuesday that said, in part: "The incident has brought about accusations of racism, and I want you to know that I hear and share your anger and frustration. Acts of racism, bias, bullying, or other abusive behaviors will not be tolerated on this campus. I pledge to do everything in my power to work with our community to address related concerns together."
An important message from University of Hartford President Gregory S. Woodward https://t.co/U7TF601LLq @UofHartford #UHart— UofHartford (@UofHartford)1509489309.0
The statement also said that Brochu had been arrested by authorities and that "the University has taken all steps to pursue this matter seriously, and will continue to do so."
Brochu had her first court appearance on Wednesday and is currently out on bail.
According to @HeavySan, “Brochu is scheduled to appear at Hartford Community Court on November 1 for her arraignmen… https://t.co/VrPsKR7Wrl— Sharine Taylor (@Sharine Taylor)1509541085.0
We certainly hope that Rowe gets the justice she so rightly deserves.
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