Loyola University Student Charged With Raping Two Women
CHICAGO (STMW) -- A Loyola University freshman was charged with criminal sexual assault after allegedly raping two female classmates in their dorm rooms on the school's Lake Shore campus.
Colin Cahill Kennedy was arrested Sunday at the Pumping Company Restaurant in the 6100 block of North Broadway after the women, both 19 at the time, went to campus police to report the attacks, which spanned over a two-day period, Cook County prosecutors said. He was wearing a shirt that said "Release The Wizard Inside Of You."
Kennedy zeroed on his first victim Jan. 13 after he and the woman had returned from a night out, assistant state's attorney Joell Zahr said. He allegedly told the other teenager he couldn't get into his own room and needed a place to sleep for the night. The intoxicated victim agreed to let Kennedy sleep over, and then passed out in her clothes, Zahr said. She woke up later in the middle of the night, allegedly finding Kennedy on top her. The woman woke up sore and naked the next morning and saw Kennedy's clothes on her floor, Zahr said.
After raping that woman, Kennedy, in his boxer shorts, went upstairs to the dorm of another female and told her what had happened, Zahr said.
The next day, Kennedy, 18, raped another woman whose dorm he was in for a small gathering. Again, he told this victim that he needed a place to sleep, Zahr said. The woman let him sleep on her futon but then said he came to her bed and started groping her, Zahr said.
The woman told Kennedy "No" and "Stop," however he still kept removing her clothes and performed a sex act on her, Zahr said.
The teenager, who cried out during the attack, stayed up all night while Kennedy fell asleep, Zahr said.
The second victim ended up telling her friend, who ended up being the first victim, Zahr said.
The alleged incidents occurred at the 350-room dormitory Fordham Hall, 6455 N.Sheridan Rd., according to Loyola spokeswoman Maeve Kiley.
Late Tuesday afternoon, an alert was sent out to students letting them know about the allegations and the resources that are available to them if they are ever attacked, Kiley said.
"Sexual assault is an incredibly personal and sensitive crime that the University takes very seriously," said Loyola's Vice President of Student Development Robert Kelley, in a statement posted to the university's website.
Kennedy's attorney pointed to the lack of DNA evidence that ties his client to the crime and said he did not make any statements implicating himself.
Kennedy, who is from California, is studying international business, Robert Kerr said. He is involved in the campus church, Kerr said.
Two classmates who attended Kennedy's bond hearing Tuesday refused comment.
Judge Donald Panarese ordered Kennedy held in lieu of $300,000 bail.
Any Loyola student dealing with sexual assault, dating violence or stalking can turn to the school's Coordinated Community Response Team for help, the university's statement said. The school also has a confidential 24-hour hotline allowing students, faculty and staff to report misconduct, Kelley said.
(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2013. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
