Four high school members of the Caldwell volleyball team have been indicted by Milam County Grand Jury.
The girls—Marina Pilar Brinkman, 17; Sophie Wine Goodman, 17; Kadie Rose Hartman, 17; Katherine Alayna Hart, 18, all of Caldwell—were indicted for engaging in organized criminal activity-unlawful restraint.
The event took place on a school bus in Milam County as the volleyball team was returning from a game at Little River-Academy on Sept. 21. The girls were originally charged with felony indecency with a child as the victim was only 14 years old. They were charged for forcibly removing another player’s clothing, according to the Milam County Sheriff’s Department and reporting in the B urleson County Tribune.
Two volleyball coaches who were also on the bus have been relieved of their coaching duties but are still teaching in the classroom.
In a probable cause statement, the victim stated that she was stripped by Hartman and Hart and held down by Brinkman. The statement said that Goodman used a speaker and played loud music to cover the other girls’ actions and act as a lookout to alert the others if anyone raised suspicions.
Goodman, in a law enforcement interview stated that “they were looking for a target to rape.” The statement also said that Hart came up to the car the victim was riding home in and told the victim’s sister, “We basically just raped your sister.”
Hartman stated in a probable cause interview that it was a “tradition” because it happens every year.
The case has caused criticism and outrage from Caldwell ISD’s parents and students including two student walkouts. Though disciplinary was taken on the girls, some believe more severe punishment was justified, including expulsion.
Parents and students also addressed the school board at a meeting on Nov. 3.
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