Phoenix Hernandez, a 21-year-old LSU fraternity member, was arrested Wednesday and booked on a third-degree rape charge after LSU police say a woman woke up in a hallway outside his room at the Delta Chi fraternity house following a night of heavy drinking. Investigators say they later seized audio messages and other material they believe are relevant to the case. Hernandez was taken to East Baton Rouge Parish Prison and held on a $20,000 bond.
According to LSU police documents and local reporting, the woman told investigators she did not remember how she ended up at the fraternity house on April 3 and only regained awareness about eight hours later in the hallway outside Hernandez’s room. Investigators say that when she called Hernandez days later, he initially told her they had only kissed. In later conversations, he at times claimed he could not remember the encounter, while a search of a device turned up audio messages that police say captured him boasting about having sex with the woman. These details are reported by WBRZ.
WWL-TV reported it had not heard back from LSU’s Interfraternity Council or the Delta Chi chapter after requesting comment. Local outlets first reported that investigators were alerted after a sexual-assault complaint was filed with campus health officials, and university officials later pointed students to campus advocacy resources for support.
Legal context
Under Louisiana law, third-degree rape involves sexual intercourse without lawful consent in situations that can include a victim’s incapacity due to intoxication or another inability to resist. The statute provides for penalties of up to 25 years at hard labor. The elements and potential penalties are detailed in state law at La. Rev. Stat. ยง 14:43.
Campus resources and next steps for survivors
LSU’s Lighthouse Program and Student Health Center offer confidential advocacy, medical care and forensic exams for survivors. Evidence collection is typically available for up to 120 hours after an assault, and campus advocates can help connect survivors with community resources and reporting options. The university’s Student Health Center outlines available services, and the Lighthouse Program provides free, confidential support for students. LSU Lighthouse and the Student Health Center maintain pages with those service details…