Massachusetts Daily Collegian

A free and responsible press serving the UMass community since 1890

A free and responsible press serving the UMass community since 1890

Massachusetts Daily Collegian

A free and responsible press serving the UMass community since 1890

Massachusetts Daily Collegian

Prosecutors seek DNA samples of rape suspects

Stephen Treat/Collegian File Photo

The state is seeking to obtain DNA samples from three of the four men charged with raping a University of Massachusetts freshman in her dorm room last October, according to a press release from the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office.

In court last Tuesday, prosecutors filed a motion to obtain samples from Emmanuel Bile, 19, of Pittsfield; Adam Liccardi, 18, of Pittsfield; and Caleb Womack, 18, of Windsor Locks, Conn., according to the release.

The fourth defendant – Justin King, 19, of Pittsfield – submitted a DNA sample voluntarily at the time of his arrest, according to the Daily Hampshire Gazette.

All four suspects face aggravated rape charges. They have pleaded not guilty to the charges and are free on bail.

None of the suspects are UMass students.

The alleged rape occurred on Oct. 13, when the four men reportedly gained access to Pierpont Hall, according to the criminal report.

The alleged victim had reportedly told the men earlier in the day via text message she did not want to socialize with them that night. The men, who are said to have been known to the victim, came anyways and waited for the victim in her dorm room, which she had left unlocked, according to Northwestern Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Suhl. Suhl is prosecuting all four cases.

When she returned to her room, the alleged victim initially agreed to socialize with the four men and two friends, according to the criminal report. The group reportedly drank vodka and smoked marijuana together.

After the friends left, the men allegedly raped the victim orally, anally and vaginally.

Each of the suspects faces three counts of aggravated rape. Liccardi, who allegedly raped the victim again after the other three men left, faces a fourth count.

A pretrial hearing in the case has been set for May 2, according to the Gazette.

Katie Landeck can be reached at [email protected].

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