Six more charged in Hattiesburg Zoo flamingo deaths

MISSISSIPPI -- Six more suspects have been indicted by a Forrest County grand jury for their involvement in an alleged fraternity scavenger hunt gone wrong resulting in the deaths of two Chilean flamingos at the Hattiesburg Zoo.

The Hattiesburg American reports each of the six is charged with grand larceny and conspiracy.

A seventh suspect, Devin Nottis, 19, of Pascagoula, was indicted in April on the same two charges in connection with the incident last October at the zoo that resulted in the death of the two birds.

Hattiesburg Police have said suspects — all local college students — were involved in the bird deaths as part of a Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity scavenger hunt. Authorities say Nottis took a flamingo from the zoo instead of just taking a photo of it.

Both Nottis and the fraternity's chapter at the University of Southern Mississippi have been suspended.

The six arrested Monday were Tyler Branch, 21, of Pascagoula; Richard Colton Coletta, 21, of Gautier; Addonis Harris, 20, of Pascagoula; Cole Mitchell, 23, of Hattiesburg; Alec Newton, 20, of Gautier; and Bobby Scott, 18, of Gautier.

 

  

  

  

 

  

According to police, the incident took place in the early morning hours of Oct. 6. Security camera tape showed four individuals entering the zoo about 1 a.m. An eyewitness reported a group of people scaling the zoo's fence carrying what appeared to be a large bird.

The female bird was later found several miles away and was returned to the zoo but had to be euthanized because of her injuries.

 

Chilean flamingos mate for life and a male flamingo, believed to be her mate, sustained serious injuries while trying to defend her. He died the next day.

 

 

In a statement to MailOnline, The University of Southern Mississippi said it had indefinitely suspended the Delta Mu Chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (PIKE) at the school.

'The University is taking swift and appropriate action in response to this incident,' said Southern Miss Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Joe Paul.

'This is a terrible and heinous act that has occurred, and inconsistent with the values of our institution.'
(Jackson Clarion Ledger - Jul 15, 2015)

Earlier:

• DA preparing to present flamingo case to grand jury