Multiple suspects arrested after violent group assault on ASU’s Tempe campus

TEMPE, Ariz. — The ASU police department is investigating a violent group assault that happened near campus in Tempe. The group attack left one victim hospitalized due to his injuries.

It happened on Sept. 28 and court records show the incident started in a dorm room at Hassayampa Academic Village. The victim was hanging out with a friend when a group of males, unknown to the victim, showed up. One of them allegedly “shoulder checked” the victim, leading to a brief verbal altercation.

That group then left the dorm room. When the victim left later, surveillance video shows a group of five to six males noticing him and crossing the street to confront him.

One suspect is seen throwing the first punch, and as the victim defends himself, another suspect joins in, pulling the victim to the ground. He fell on his back.

That’s when more suspects jumped in, taking turns punching and stomp kicking him repeatedly in the body and head, even holding him down while they did it, court records say.

Another person eventually stepped in and the assault stopped.

The victim was hospitalized, admitted into the intensive care unit, and he sustained a broken nose and a head injury. He also had a bruised abdomen and face.

ASU police have arrested four people so far: one juvenile, 19-year-old Jayden Malik Smith, 18-year-old Donnell Young and 18-year-old Justin Michael Otis. Police said none of them are ASU students.

They are facing aggravated assault charges. 

During an initial appearance before a judge, the prosecutor explained they recommend they also be charged with “swarming”, a new crime under Preston’s Law where three or more people attack one person. It was created in honor of Preston Lord, who was killed in a group attack two years ago.

The Preston’s Law charges were not reflected on ASU PD’s initial paperwork because the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office booking system has not yet been updated to reflect the new law, according to a prosecutor.

12News has learned one of the suspects, Justin Otis, is the son of a Maricopa County judge, so the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has acknowledged a conflict of interest and turned the case over to the Coconino County Attorney’s Office.

The three adult suspects were given $10,000 secured appearance bonds.

ASU PD said its investigation is still open and active.

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