The Catalyst published an article on September 23 entitled “Conflicting stories about altercation at 922 Weber give rise to confusion.” Since The Catalyst reported on the incident, one student, junior Jaam Moynihan, has been suspended. An investigation was conducted by CSPD Campus Resource Officer Jason Newton. It concluded that Moynihan was “the primary aggressive and the suspect in this case.”
The letter sent from Senior Associate Dean of Students/ Director of Residential Life & Housing John Lauer, on September 30 informing Moynihan of his suspension, stated that Moynihan was found responsible for “Violence, Abusive Behavior and Irresponsible Use of Alcohol.” His suspension extends through the end of the Fall Semester. Even though he has only been suspended, Moynihan is worried that the impact on his financial aid will result in de facto expulsion. Moynihan plans to appeal the decision.
After the initial incident, junior Blake Reichert, stated to the police that he was punched in the stomach by a then-unknown male later identified as freshman Patrick Lynch. The incident occurred while Reichert was riding his scooter westward on the path between Yampa and the Sorority houses. Lynch said that Reichert was coming close to him and that pushing him was “almost an instinctual behavior.”
After this altercation, Lynch went to a house party at 922 N. Weber St.
According to the police report, Moynihan and Reichert entered the house 30 minutes later where Moynihan “began physical [sic] and verbally harassing a younger student (Lynch).”
The police report states, “Moynihan was reported to be extremely intoxicated and out of control. He was seen walking into the house and pushing Lynch to get his attention. Moynihan then began to push his chest up against Lynch and verbally harass him. Moynihan’s actions were seen as harassing and caused Lynch to be ‘completely afraid’ of Moynihan. Moynihan then ‘lunged’ at Lynch and attempted to strike him.”
After seeing the report, Moynihan said, “The report only seems to take their side into account. In here there is absolutely nothing from any one of our stories. Nothing.”
The report continues, “[Tanner] Howard [a senior and resident of 922 N. Weber St.] reportedly stepped in between Lynch and Moynihan and attempted to defuse the situation, trying to get Moynihan and Reichert to leave his house. Howard’s initial attempts were unsuccessful and Moynihan attempted to strike Howard in his own home. Howard did strike Moynihan once in self-defense and in an attempted [sic] to gain control of the situation. Howard and [Ryan] Coyle [a senior], who both reside at 922 N. Weber St. did not invite Reichert or Moynihan into their home and asked them several times to leave. Howard and Coyle were forced to use physical force to remove both Reichert and Moynihan from the house.”
House parties at Colorado College are generally open to the entire student body and this party did not have a list or security. Additionally, Coyle is not a resident of 922 N. Weber St.
The police report compiled by Officer Newton also stated that Moynihan suffered “minor injuries from the incident” including “a black eye and several small bruises. Moynihan’s black eye was consistent with being hit once in the face. The other bruises were light in color and appeared to be compression marks, consistent with someone grabbing him and forcefully removing him from the home.”
According the Boettcher Health Center’s diagnosis, Moynihan did not sustain a concussion.
“Officer Newton saw my bruises three days after I got jumped,” stated Moynihan.
Newton obtained statements from officers that responded to the incident, Moynihan, Reichert, Howard, and approximately 20 others that witnessed at least part of the event. All statements were analyzed as the story was put together. Each witness’ credibility was checked by investigation of everything he or she stated.
On September 27, a friend of Lynch, Moynihan, and Reichert emailed Moynihan and Reichert and said, “I don’t know exactly what happened, but he [Lynch] asked me for some help in sending you guys his sincere apologies because I know both of you and I also know him. He is a good kid who made a stupid mistake. I don’t know who else was involved or how either of you feel but I thought I’d let you know that I can vouch for his overall character in spite of this action.”
Lynch said that pushing Reichert was an “aggressive mistake” and indeed asked the mutual friend to send the email.
“I don’t want enemies, “ said Lynch. “I thought the administration did the right thing” and “allowed me to learn my lesson.” Lynch also said, “I’d go back and walk around [Reichert on his scooter].”
In the previous article about the incident Moynihan and Reichert stated that there were six instances in which they felt intimidated.
They stated that in the early evening on September 17, between six and seven students wearing CC Lacrosse t-shirts stopped and stared at Moynihan. Officer Newton said that the incident was pulled up on CC’s camera system and the video was not consistent with what Moynihan and Reichert said. The group of students allegedly wearing CC Lacrosse t-shirts did not turn their heads to stare at Moynihan.
The case was classified as a misdemeanor, assault in the third degree. Neither party is pressing charges and both parties expressed to Newton that they wanted the incident to be over.
Alex Kronman 