Final hazing suspect turns self in

• Capitol news bureau
• Published: Dec 3, 2008 - UPDATED: 11:07 a.m.

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The seventh and final suspect in a Southern University marching band hazing investigation turned himself into law enforcement early today.

Clifton Taylor, 20, of Baton Rouge turned himself over to the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office for felony charges of aggravated second-degree assault and ritualistic acts, said Kellie Engels, sheriff’s office spokeswoman.

The seven students are accused of severely beating three members of the band — two of whom are hospitalized — with a wooden board.

The incident allegedly occurred last week during an initiation into the unofficial “Mellow Phi Fellow” fraternity for the marching band’s French horn section, according to arrest reports.

Band members arrested Tuesday are:

• Carlo-Andres Carter, 19, of Stone Mountain, Ga.

• Harvey Harrison, 19, of Augusta, Ga.

• Lagarian Bridgewater, 22, of Baton Rouge.

• Jeremy Dixon, 22, of Natchez, Miss.

• Aubrey Harris Jr., 20, of Canton, Miss.

• Joseph Lee Webb, 21, of Columbus, Ga.

State law concerning “ritualistic acts” covers hazing and includes “ritualistic mutilation, dismemberment or torture of a human” as part of an initiation or ceremony.

That subsection requires punishment from five to 25 years with up to $25,000 in fines.