SAVANNAH, Ga. – Two Savannah State University students have filed twin lawsuits against the college claiming that the university and related defendants ignored a pattern of criminal conduct that led to their being robbed at gunpoint and raped in campus housing.
The two victims reported they were robbed at gunpoint and raped on Dec. 5 in their campus apartment in University Commons, Savannah Now reports.
The plaintiffs claim the assailant, Torrey Scott, 38, was captured on security footage climbing a fence and gaining entry to the campus. Video surveillance also shows Scott loitering in the parking lot for more than 15 minutes before entering the victims’ apartment.
The suit contends that the assailant’s presence was not observed, investigated or reported. Furthermore, the suit claims that the victims were not warned of Scott’s presence.
The victims believe that the attack was reasonably foreseeable to the defendants. Additionally, the lawsuit states that the university failed to provide meaningful security on campus.
In addition to Savannah State, the suit names the following defendants:
- Savannah State Foundation Inc.
- Savannah State University Foundation Real Estate Ventures
- Savannah State University Department of Public Safety
- The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia
- The University System of Georgia Public Private Ventures
The plaintiffs seek damages in excess of $2 million and punitive damages at a minimum of $4 million.
