Towson University Student in Hazing Case Gets Probation Before Judgment

TOWSON, MD — One of two Towson University students charged in a hazing incident at an off-campus residence last spring appeared in court this week for sentencing.

Evan Palmer Francis, 21, of the 18300 block of Wachs Terrace in Olney, was given probation before judgment for the charge of hazing a student at a university, court records show.

Francis was in charge of overseeing events and safety of pledges at Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE), a fraternity at Towson, according to police.

He was charged with hazing and reckless endangerment after a March 31 initiation event that resulted in the hospitalization of a 19-year-old student.

Police alleged the teen was forced to do intense workouts, recite fraternity knowledge and drink unknown substances in the 300 block of Hillen Road. The teen became extremely ill and was hospitalized with injuries that police later said indicated he had ingested a caustic substance.

Following nearly one week at St. Joseph Medical Center, the teen continued to see a gastroenterologist until the end of June and still requires medication, Towson student newspaper The Towerlight reported. The victim reportedly told the court at Monday's bench trial that he had to move off campus after the incident, which turned his life upside down, as he lost everything from friendships to the feeling of safety.

For the hazing charge, a judge gave Francis probation before judgment, while the state chose not to prosecute a charge of reckless endangerment. The sentence was issued Monday, and the probation for Francis ended Tuesday, according to court records.

Towson University suspended TKE until 2021, and Francis was suspended as well, according to The Towerlight, which said he plans to complete his studies in psychology.

Related:

• Two Towson Fraternity Brothers Charged with Hazing
• Towson Student Hospitalized After Alleged Hazing

Booking photo courtesy of the Baltimore County Police Department.