West Hartford Police plan to add hate crime charges to other charges already made against a University of Hartford freshman after the student’s roommate claimed her belongings had been tampered with, including by spreading bodily fluids on them.

By Ronni Newton

Brianna Brochu, 18, a freshman at the University of Hartford in West Hartford, turned herself in to police Saturday afternoon and is facing charges of third-degree criminal mischief and second-degree breach of peace in connection with allegations of bullying behavior toward her roommate.

Lt. Michael Peruccio of the West Hartford Police said in an email late Wednesday morning that after further review, police plan to ask the court to also add charges of “intimidation based on bigotry or bias,” a Class D felony, to the warrant.

University of Hartford President Gregory Woodward stated in a letter Wednesday that Brochu is no longer a student and will not be returning to the institution.

In a report obtained from West Hartford Police, that includes text from a sworn written statement, Brochu, of Harwinton, told police that she did not have a good relationship with the roommate, whose name has been redacted from the report, and began to “lash out due to a ‘hostile environment.'”

Brochu admitted to police that she licked the victim’s plate, fork, and spoon, spread a used tampon on the victim’s backpack, and tampered with the lotion on the victim’s desk.

Police stated in the report that Brochu “denied doing anything further and stated that anything else she bragged about on social media was a lie in an attempt to ‘appear funny.'”

Posts widely shared on social media from Brochu’s “finsta” (fake Instagram) account “breezy_bumble_b” claim that Brochu was trying to get rid of her roommate, and detail multiple disgusting actions.

The police report includes the following excerpt from an Instagram post that has also been shared on other forms of social media, including the Tweet below: “Finally did it yo girl got rid of her roommate!! After 1 1/2 month of spitting in her coconut oil, and putting moldy clam dip in her lotions, rubbing used tampons oh her backpack, putting her toothbrush places where the sun doesn’t shine, and so much more I can finally say goodbye Jamaican Barbie.” Three photos followed the Instagram post, according to the police report.

“I can finally say goodbye to Jamaican Barbie”
This is a crime. she could have killed her. #JUSTICEFORJAZZY pic.twitter.com/c3cKsgKhqp

— tsunami taj (@EverythingTaj) October 31, 2017

Police said that the victim told them that she had originally requested a room change, which took effect on Oct. 17, because Brochu “generally ignored her and treated her as a ‘ghost.'” As she was moving out, police said the victim was made aware of the disturbing social media posts by another dorm resident and two campus resident assistants.

Brochu, who is white, had roomed with the victim, who is also a freshman at the University of Hartford and is black, since the beginning of the fall semester.

Before learning about the social media posts, the victim had previously visited campus health services complaining of “severe throat pain,” and according to the police report she tested negative for strep throat and mono, but was told by a nurse that there was “bacteria present in her throat.”

In his statement Wednesday, Woodward said, “There has been an outpouring of concern for the victim of these acts from across the University and the country. In my meeting with her yesterday, I reiterated my personal commitment to ensuring she has all available personal and academic resources the University can provide.”

A University of Hartford spokesperson said Wednesday afternoon that the University is continuing to provide support to the victim and her family, and the campus community – including cultural groups and fellow students – has also been very supportive of the victim, who spoke publicly on Facebook live about the incident.

Woodward said that the University “took action immediately once these allegations were brought to our attention,” and until that time “the reprehensible conduct of the involved student was not known by the victim or the University.” The process of legal and University conduct began at that time, Woodward said.

“It is clear there is work to be done at our University to ensure that all students feel safe, respected, and valued,” Woodward said in his statement. “The conversations that began with student groups, faculty, and staff yesterday are going to continue and involve our full community. I am dedicated to that mission and will continue to share additional information about opportunities for our path forward in meaningful dialogue and action.”

West Hartford Police said in a report that they responded to the University of Hartford on Oct. 18, at 1:13 a.m. They were contacted by the University of Hartford Department of Public Safety who said they had responded to the incident shortly before midnight on Oct. 17. Campus safety officers were investigating the incident and were meeting with both women and obtained their statements. Both signed University of Hartford “no contact” agreements, police said.

West Hartford Police applied for the warrant for Brochu on Oct. 21, and Brochu turned herself in at 103 Raymond Rd. on Oct. 28, police said. She was released on $1,000 non-surety bond and was due in court on Wednesday.

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