A 19-year-old teenage student from the University of Alabama suspected of raping a female youngster in dormitory room is now facing first-degree rape charges. Joseph Tyler Pitts, 19, was arrested on Saturday and was put on temporary suspension and was banned from the university while the police continue to investigate the case.
On Nov. 12, investigators from Tuscaloosa County Metro Homicide Unit were requested by University of Alabama police to respond to DCH Regional Medical Center about 10:30 a.m. When they arrived at the hospital, they talked to an 18-year-old teenage girl who said she was a victim of rape. The friends of the victim who have seen the incident identified Joseph Tyler Pitts, 19, as the rapist.
The 18-year-old victim, also a student from the University of Alabama, confessed to the investigators that she was drinking together with Pitts inside a room in a dormitory when her consciousness was lost. She continued to say that she was just awakened by her two friends, who came into the room and saw the teen suspect already on top of her and sexing her, taking advantage of her unconsciousness.
Investigators then conducted more interviews and gathered proper evidence till they come up to a decision of arresting Joseph Tyler Pitts. On Saturday, the 19-year-old accused of rape was detained by Tuscaloosa County police officers.
The teen suspect was brought to the jail center of Tuscaloosa County on a bond worth $30,000. It is not clear though if Pitts has an attorney, Fox News has reported. The police officers are still investigating the rape case.
Meanwhile, the teen suspect has been expelled from the university while an investigation is happening. "The accused student has been placed on interim suspension and is banned from campus while the investigation continues," Alabama quoted Christ Bryant, spokesperson for University of Alabama, as saying.
