Two students from Belmont Abbey College were convicted on charges stemming from an assault that took place on Halloween night in 2024. Darius Kane and Isaiah Josue, both members of the college basketball team during the 2023-24 season, faced accusations of violence on the college's campus, leading to a legal reckoning in Gaston County District Court this week.
The trial, which lasted two days, concluded with Kane being found guilty of assault and battery, receiving a sentence to swiftly serve 30 days in jail, suspended for 12 months of unsupervised probation. Josue's conviction included an assault on a female and assault and battery, netting him a 60-day sentence also suspended, but for an 18-month probationary period, as reported by WBTV. Additionally, he was ordered to compensate the victim with $1,006.13 in restitution. A third student, Darryl Holloway, faced similar charges but was acquitted.
District Attorney Travis Page, emphasizing the responsibility to uphold community safety, stated, "Our office is committed to seeking safe streets, safe homes, and safe schools for the people of Gaston County. Parents from across the country send their kids to college here in Belmont—they should rest assured, knowing their children are safe," in a statement picked up by WCCB Charlotte. This sentiment was echoed in the trial's aftermath as the judgement brought closure to a case that troubled the Belmont Abbey community.
Collaboration with campus police and local authorities was crucial to securing the convictions. "We are pleased to obtain justice for the victims of these Halloween assaults, justice made possible through collaboration with the Belmont Abbey Campus Police and our local law enforcement," Assistant District Attorney Rachael Merritt told QC News. The joint efforts underscore an ongoing commitment to duly seriously take campus safety and uphold the rule of law, regardless of the students' statuses or affiliations.
