Madison police responded to an anonymous tip and found more than 30 males coated in food and other liquids at an Alpha Epsilon Pi house near UW–Madison. Two 20-year-old chapter leaders, Brayden J. Klein and Samuel N. Vane, were arrested and charged with hazing and disorderly conduct. Many victims were 18 and showed visible injuries after being kept in a hot, humid basement reportedly set to 81°F. The chapter is unaffiliated with UW–Madison but remains recognized by its national organization, which is cooperating with investigators.
Two Arrested After Dozens Found Covered in Condiments in UW–Madison Fraternity Hazing Incident
A University of Wisconsin-Madison sign at Camp Randall Stadium on December 19, 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin.Credit: Kirby Lee/Getty
Two members of an Alpha Epsilon Pi (AePi) chapter were arrested after Madison police discovered more than 30 people coated in food and other liquids during a reported hazing event at a fraternity house near the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Officers responded to the AePi house on Langdon Street at about 8:20 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 23, following an anonymous tip, the Madison Police Department said. When police entered a basement area, they found over 30 males in hot, humid conditions — many covered in "food, condiments and other liquids." Investigators said most of the individuals were 18 years old and several displayed visible injuries consistent with physical assault. The thermostat in the space was reportedly set to 81°F.
Two 20-year-old members identified as Brayden J. Klein and Samuel N. Vane — the chapter's president and vice president — were arrested and charged with hazing and disorderly conduct. Both were booked into the Dane County Jail and appear to have been released on bond, authorities said.
Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity hazingCredit: Madison Police Department
University officials noted that this AePi chapter has not been recognized by UW–Madison since 2015, but it remains affiliated with its national organization and therefore operates independently of the campus. The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards is conducting a review, and the national fraternity has said it is cooperating with investigators.
UW–Madison statement: "UW–Madison is fully committed to preventing and addressing hazing and takes all incidents involving our community seriously." The university noted that students found responsible for violations of law or university policy may face sanctions ranging from written reprimands and probation to suspension or expulsion under Wis. Admin. Code Chapter UWS 17.
The university added that the Office of Student Assistance and Support and University Health Services are available to help any students affected by the incident. Officials encouraged anyone with information to report hazing or call 911 in emergencies; anonymous reports can be submitted through the school's online form. Members of Fraternity & Sorority Life may also use the organization's confidential reporting channel.
AePi International released a statement saying it is cooperating with authorities and that any member found responsible for criminal conduct will be expelled. "We will support prosecution to the fullest extent of the law," a fraternity spokesperson said. "Hazing is a betrayal of everything our fraternity stands for. There is no place for it in AEPi. No exceptions. No excuses."
Authorities asked anyone with information or who was involved to contact Madison Area Crime Stoppers at 608-266-6014 or submit tips online at p3tips.com. The Madison Police Department provided an image related to the incident. PEOPLE has contacted UW–Madison for further comment.
Help us improve.
