'Pledge Father' in Mizzou hazing case sentenced to prison and house arrest

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KTVI) – It's been nearly three years since a Mizzou freshman has been fighting for his life in the intensive care unit after being hazed at a fraternity event. This week, the victim’s “engaged father” was sentenced to six months in prison.

Ryan Delanty was Danny Santulli's “pledged father” in the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, known as FIJI, at the University of Missouri. On October 19, 2021, Santulli was forced to drink a liter of vodka during a “Pledge Dad Reveal Night” event with the fraternity.

His blood alcohol level was 0.486 percent, nearly six times the legal limit in Missouri. He was later found on the couch in distress, but no one called 911. The incident left Santulli unable to walk, talk or see.

Delanty was sentenced Wednesday to six months in prison and an additional six months of house arrest after pleading guilty earlier this month to hazing and providing alcohol to a minor.

Danny's mother, Mary Pat, fought back tears as she told the courtroom how she was forced to quit her job to become Danny's full-time caregiver.

“However, it is the most rewarding job I have ever had, and I never imagined I would do it,” she said. “It’s a job that requires countless doctor appointments, communicating with doctors and monitoring medications.”

One by one, each member of Danny's family read statements, telling Delanty how their lives had changed forever.

“Do I think Ryan Delanty wanted Danny to be disabled for the rest of his life? No, I don't. Do I think Ryan intended to cause serious bodily harm to Danny? Yes I do. And he did it by making him drink so much that he passed out,” Danny’s father Tom said.

Delanty's attorney, Stephanie Howlett, addressed the courtroom saying she was remorseful and accepted responsibility for the tragedy.

“Please know that Mr. Delanty will live with this for the rest of his life and that there will be no wedding, no event, no joyous occasion that will not be tainted by that October night,” he said. she declared. .

Delanty will spend six months in the Boone County Jail before returning home to serve six months under house arrest.

Five other fraternity brothers pleaded guilty in the case. Four others have pending cases, but the Santulli family says they have their eyes on this specific fraternity brother, since he was responsible that night in 2021.