Quote :

"Charleston Southern student dies after beating Fellow freshman charged with murder after argument ends in blows, police say BY JOHN CHAMBLISS The Post and Courier What started as a heated argument between two college freshmen at a small Christian university ended Tuesday with one dead and another facing murder charges. Grant Ringenberg, 18, who friends described as an athletic, caring person with a great sense of humor, died about 3:15 p.m., 15 hours after he was beaten into a coma. Ringenberg, of Apex, N.C., suffered massive head injuries during a fight early Tuesday with classmate Dan Thomas Davis III at Charleston Southern University, North Charleston police said. Ringenberg was repeatedly hit and kicked in the face outside a dormitory, suffering brain damage and fractured bones. Police said he slipped into a coma soon after the beating. Davis, 18, was charged with murder. He and Ringenberg both lived on campus. School officials would not release Davis' hometown. Davis was first held in the Charleston County jail on $100,000 bail on a charge of assault and battery with intent to kill. Charges against him were later upgraded to murder, said Spencer Pryor, a police spokesman. Another bond hearing is scheduled today. Students at the private Baptist college were devastated. "Words cannot express how unbelievably saddened we are at the news of Grant's passing," said Jairy Hunter, university president. "He was a promising student and athlete. We continue to pray for everyone who is involved in this tragic situation." Witnesses were trying to pin down the exact cause of the dispute, but police said an ongoing fight over Ringenberg's girlfriend led to the fight. Friends of Ringenberg said the fight was linked to an earlier dispute during a Halloween party. It was unclear what the two argued about then. The altercation started about 12:30 a.m. Tuesday outside Russell Hall in the rear of the campus. Davis told police that Ringenberg had called him "to talk" and asked him to meet at the "horseshoe," an area outside the dormitory where students socialize. About 20 people witnessed the exchange, which quickly turned into an argument as the two moved closer to each other. Davis made a derogatory remark about Ringenberg's girlfriend. "Dan said, 'I don't know why I would want that,' " said witness Carolena Stemler. "They were screaming at each other for about three minutes," said witness Rebecca Peters, a friend of Ringenberg's. During the argument, Davis handed a friend his cellular phone. Ringenberg's hands remained in his pockets, Stemler said. Seconds later, Davis punched Ringenberg, knocking him to the ground, police said. Ringenberg's head struck the concrete surface, knocking him unconscious, witnesses said. Davis then crouched over his classmate and repeatedly punched him in the head, they said. "Grant was choking on his blood," Peters said. A friend of Ringenberg shoved Davis and it appeared that he would walk away. Seconds later though, he walked back to Ringenberg's still body and repeatedly kicked him in the head, police said. Later, Davis walked into the Dean of Students' office and gave a statement, according to police. Peters asked friends of Ringenberg to turn him on his side so he wouldn't choke. Emergency officials arrived and took Ringenberg to Trident Medical Center. He was later transferred to Medical University Hospital. Peters said that many of the witnesses were friends of Davis. "It happened so fast," Peters said. "We thought it was just going to be one punch and he was done." Until Tuesday, there hadn't been one fight involving the 3,000 students, Hunter said. "This is an isolated event we haven't seen in the 21 years I've been here," he said. A redshirt pitcher for the Eagles, Ringenberg was a star pitcher in high school in his hometown. More than 1,000 students, about a third of the entire student body, attended a prayer service at the university's on-campus chapel just hours after learning of Ringenberg's death. The school chaplain led the participants in prayers for the families of both students. Other speakers included students, school administrators and the baseball coach, Jason Murray. Murray said he envisioned Ringenberg becoming a "superstar" if he had put some weight on his lanky 6-foot-4-inch frame. Neil Krock, a sophomore who plays the outfield, asked God to have mercy on his teammate. "We just pray that you have mercy on him, Father," Krock said. "He's in a better place with you, Father." Dr. Bob Ratliff, dean of students, asked the room to pray for both families. "We also pray, Father, for the family of Dan. Dan's family also got a call today that they never expected," Ratliff said. "For two lives have been forever changed." He prayed for those who are angry, "that those who are angry, their anger will turn to compassion." Dr. Rick Brewer, vice president of student affairs, said that in the coming weeks, the school plans a memorial service with Ringenberg's family. The family had told him they would donate several of Ringenberg's organs to others."

I don't know if any of you knew this guy, but I know his family...this is awful. There's so many questions without answers at the moment...if you're the praying sort, say a prayer for this family. Not just the parents, but they have two other sons that have to deal with the loss of their brother.

11/9/2005 8:03:09 AM

Stupid fucking kids. Fighting over a girl.

This is just sad.

11/9/2005 8:08:55 AM

Quote :

"Peters said that many of the witnesses were friends of Davis."

Every one of these that were standing there should be charged for accessory to murder for letting this guy walk back up and start kicking an unconscience guy in the head.

I know shit happens fast in fights, but for every one I have ever witnessed where parties involved know how to handle these things, several people step in and yank person X off when it is clear they are pumeling person Y into pulp and the fight is over.

11/9/2005 8:10:07 AM

I hope to see more charges stem out of this for the others involved, as well. Were people just stunned it was happening? It's a small christian college, maybe they didn't know what to do and froze? That's no excuse...they should still be charged with accessory to murder...but maybe it's a reason...

11/9/2005 8:15:18 AM

^yeah, how hard is it to tell that shit's gettin a little too dangerous to let a fight continue?

fuck, i don't care what they're fighting about, it would be hard to let me let a friend get into a fight.

11/9/2005 8:15:31 AM

i agree, to witness that and not help in any way possible is bullshit ... i had my ass beat unconscious by drunk fucks from garner, i didnt even know, unprovoked believe it or not, and i came very close to being killed ... in atlantic beach, there were guys present that could have helped, but took off

thank god for chad bratzke the DE for the colts, who happen to be right there and see it happen and rip the fuckers off me

11/9/2005 8:18:59 AM

Quote :

"He prayed for those who are angry, "that those who are angry, their anger will turn to compassion.""

too late

11/9/2005 8:20:35 AM

two 18 year olds... that just breaks my heart

11/9/2005 8:26:20 AM

Quote :

"About 20 people witnessed the exchange"

jesus christ
fucking sheep
"oh, i'm sure someone else will stop this murder in progress, so i'll just watch"

11/9/2005 8:26:45 AM

dont write a check with your mouth that your ass cant handle

11/9/2005 8:50:54 AM

do you even understand the concept of that cliched quote?

it's

"Don't let your mouth write a check your ass can't cash" or something to that effect.

11/9/2005 8:54:58 AM

it is all the same damn thing

you got the point didnt you?

11/9/2005 8:56:27 AM

^^
Like you did with the Albany Police Department?

11/9/2005 8:57:21 AM

I'll let you guys know if I hear any updates, I think the funeral will be around here, thought.

11/9/2005 2:23:13 PM

and this happened at a private Christian school no less...

11/9/2005 2:29:21 PM

damn apecers

11/9/2005 2:33:06 PM

i went to church with him for a while
he was a great kid

11/9/2005 3:56:00 PM

dude had his hands in his pockets. wasnt even tryin to throw fists and some dipshit throws a cheap shot. its all fucked up.

11/9/2005 4:07:45 PM

This is really the saddest thing I've ever read. The family is in my prayers.

11/9/2005 4:57:01 PM

I pitched for apex back in the day. don't know this kid though.

11/9/2005 5:05:19 PM

the fact that twenty of them were standing around probably made it less likely for anyone to intervene

it's odd, but that's often how things work

i'm not sure they should be charged with anything but it's certainly messed up

especially that they let Davis come back and kick him in the head for a while... geez...

11/9/2005 5:14:26 PM

^ whats that called? bystanders effect or something...

this is SO sad....especially since the dude wasnt even trying to fight

11/9/2005 5:23:22 PM

^its a bystander theory where the more people that are around the more the fact that someone will intervene is put off onto other people

like the kitty genovese thing it ny where she was raped for 3 hours but no one helped

11/9/2005 8:35:43 PM

what's up with that good samaritan law business? i know it protects people who injure people by trying to save them from car accidents and such. but how does it handle situations like this where these fucking retards didn't jump between that fag and the apex kid?

11/9/2005 9:07:26 PM

well it happened in a different state so no NC laws apply.......

11/9/2005 9:29:19 PM

diffusion of responsibility...Everyone thinks someone else will step in and nobody does. That being said, I don't think it's against the law to not help someone even though it's really fucked up to just keep on walking, or worse, just to stand there and watch.

11/9/2005 10:24:45 PM

I love it how everyone talks about jumping in not realizing the potential consequences of their actions. Those people standing there probably said the same thing in reference to another event like this. Truth is you never know what you will do in such a situation. I myself would do nothing. It's not my responsibility to get involved in anyone elses problems. I don't care what the situation is. I could suffer possible bodily harm or be killed. Even if I'm not what is my reward for stepping in? What do I get out of it? You have to think of the future instead of just the present.

11/10/2005 1:15:09 AM

^ selfish bastard

11/10/2005 2:02:28 AM

what i don't understand is the article says the kid is 6 foot 4, i mean you can have your hands in your pockets but geez. Must've been one hell of a sucker punch, its a tragedy.

11/10/2005 3:05:30 AM

^^^if had been there, I'd like to hear you say that to the Grant's family's face

11/10/2005 6:33:27 AM

Quote :

"I love it how everyone talks about jumping in not realizing the potential consequences of their actions. Those people standing there probably said the same thing in reference to another event like this. Truth is you never know what you will do in such a situation. I myself would do nothing. It's not my responsibility to get involved in anyone elses problems. I don't care what the situation is. I could suffer possible bodily harm or be killed. Even if I'm not what is my reward for stepping in? What do I get out of it? You have to think of the future instead of just the present."

Are you a fucking idiot? And I ask that with the utmost sincerity.

11/10/2005 6:43:24 AM

i cant imagine this guy not bein black, why would everyone be so afraid to do anything

fuck that bystander theory crap

11/10/2005 8:32:40 AM

here we go with people coming in saying what they would have done if they were there


give me a break

half you mofo's prolly would have gotten your ass kicked right along with this guy, fucking pussies

11/10/2005 8:45:33 AM

hey i didnt say i would do anything, but id like to hope someone else would have

11/10/2005 8:52:09 AM

Quote :

"Are you a fucking idiot? And I ask that with the utmost sincerity."

Why do you ask that? Because I'm not going to try and play hero? Fuck that shit. Other peoples problems are just that:THEIR PROBLEMS. I don't care if it's a guy, girl, or kid, I'm not getting involved. If I got involved not only would I suffer bodily harm, I would have to talk to the police and possibly go to court over it. Not to mention the medical expenses I would have to pay for AND LOST TIME AS A RESULT OF ALL THIS! All this money would have to come out of my pocket and I would lose time I could be spending working and making money (the most important thing) testifying in some court. FUCK THAT SHIT! People can take care of their own problems and I'll take care of mine.

11/10/2005 10:22:09 AM

if u had ur concealed handgun permit and had gun nearby...u could have taken any action necessary to stop someone stomping an unconscious person's head in.

11/10/2005 10:24:42 AM

^^this is someones life we are talking about here, that could never be worth the amount of money you would ever lose

[Edited on November 10, 2005 at 10:27 AM. Reason : .]

11/10/2005 10:27:25 AM

^^^yea that's a pretty shitty way to look at life. Help your fellow man, and tell them to pay it forward. You may need assistance in some life-threatening situation later on in life and If everyone had your attitude, you'd be as good as dead.

[Edited on November 10, 2005 at 10:37 AM. Reason : .]

11/10/2005 10:36:29 AM

Quote :

"Students at the private Baptist college were devastated. "

11/10/2005 10:43:43 AM

Quote :

"Why do you ask that? Because I'm not going to try and play hero? Fuck that shit."

So you are telling me that you would let your buddy walk up and start kicking an unconscious guys head in?

You can't even think critically about this situation. There is no hero to play in this case. There is keeping your buddy out of the death chamber and saving another guys life though.

Think people, I can't do it for all of you.

11/10/2005 10:49:51 AM

Quote :

"this is someones life we are talking about here, that could never be worth the amount of money you would ever lose"

Noones life is worth more than my money. Like I said his problem is just that:his problem. Now I don't care if it's a situation like this, some lady is getting raped, or some kids getting beaten, I am not involving myself in anyone elses affairs. Their problems are not MY problems.

Quote :

" You may need assistance in some life-threatening situation later on in life and If everyone had your attitude, you'd be as good as dead."

Yeah I would be and that would be noones problem except my own. Would I want them to help out? Sure I would, but I could never ask someone to do something for me that I wouldn't/couldn't do for them in return.

11/10/2005 10:52:32 AM

Quote :

" Even if I'm not what is my reward for stepping in? What do I get out of it"

i think the fact that you even asked that explains everything you've said.

11/10/2005 10:56:07 AM

Quote :

"So you are telling me that you would let your buddy walk up and start kicking an unconscious guys head in?"

Yeah I would and then he would get sent to jail for being a dumbass. If it were the other way around my friend would do the same thing which is nothing and I would go to jail for being a dumbass.

Quote :

"You can't even think critically about this situation. There is no hero to play in this case. There is keeping your buddy out of the death chamber and saving another guys life though."

Sure I'm thinking critically. I'm thinking of myself and the future if I got involved. Saving another persons life means nothing to me. You don't get anything out of it, so whats the point? I only would get involved if there was something to gain, like a monetary reward. As it stands if I got involved in this situation I would gain nothing and loss money, time, and suffer posssible bodily harm. THAT'S CALLED A NET LOSS! Like a said before, fuck that shit and let other people take care of their own problems.

11/10/2005 10:58:46 AM

Well, we are back to this

Quote :

"Are you a fucking idiot? And I ask that with the utmost sincerity."

11/10/2005 11:04:55 AM

How so? You have yet to point out any flaws in my reasoning. My logic is irrefutable.

11/10/2005 11:14:38 AM

Protostar, you make yourself out to be a very selfish person, and I pity you. It's people like you who are going to end up old and alone later in life.

If you have no respect for human life, something is severely wrong with you. I hope that in time you can learn to have sympathy for other peoples situations/problems and make efforts to help them in times of need. Stop thinking of yourself all of the time and contribute to society, asshole.

11/10/2005 11:16:15 AM

The flaw in your logic is that one of your buddies is going to hurt you for holding him back. Furthermore, the instant you go to try to stop him, the disinhibition that was holding everyone else back stops and the rest of the crew jumps in to help you keep your buddy from killing someone.

I can drive trucks through the holes in your logic, fag.

11/10/2005 11:22:38 AM

Quote :

"Protostar, you make yourself out to be a very selfish person, and I pity you. It's people like you who are going to end up old and alone later in life."

Why is that? I don't understand what is wrong with my reasoning. It not like I'm some psychopath or something like that, I just don't believe in getting involved in anyone elses affairs.

Quote :

"If you have no respect for human life, something is severely wrong with you. I hope that in time you can learn to have sympathy for other peoples situations/problems and make efforts to help them in times of need. Stop thinking of yourself all of the time and contribute to society, asshole."

Who said I don't have any respect for human life? Its not that, I just valie my life more than anyone elses. My life is of supreme importance and I'm not going to put it in danger of being snuffed out to save someone I don't even know. BTW, I do contribute to society:everytime I pay taxes.

11/10/2005 11:22:46 AM

i see your point, i wouldnt want to get fucked up either but if it meant saving someones life i could handle a punch to the face or a broken bone

11/10/2005 11:27:29 AM

Quote :

"The flaw in your logic is that one of your buddies is going to hurt you for holding him back. Furthermore, the instant you go to try to stop him, the disinhibition that was holding everyone else back stops and the rest of the crew jumps in to help you keep your buddy from killing someone."

Still haven't answered my question: what do I gain out of all of this? What is my reward? Do I get the $1000 dollar cash prize? I don't think so. This is still a net loss situation. I have nothing to gain but much to lose. I could be hurt or killed and on top of that I have to take time (time that could be spent working and making money) to talk to the police and possibly go to court. His problem is just that: his problem. I donot become involved until it involves me (ie: he tries to harm me or my property).

Quote :

"I can drive trucks through the holes in your logic, fag."

No amount of petty insults is going to change the fact that this is a net loss situation. And last I checked you couldn't drive trucks through a wall (ie My logic).

11/10/2005 11:29:18 AM