COLUMBIA, Mo. – Following the sentencing of a former Mizzou student for hazing, Danny Santulli’s family is calling for Missouri lawmakers to consider implementing legislation to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In October 2021, the Santulli family recounted how their youngest son, Danny, was forced to consume an entire bottle of vodka at a fraternity event. During the sentencing hearing on Friday, the Santullis delivered their victim impact statements, detailing the lasting harm that one night had inflicted on Danny and their family.
“I still find it extremely difficult to look at pictures of what life was like, as it remains very painful,” expressed Mary Pat Santulli, Danny’s mother, while on the stand. “So much went wrong that dreadful night and so much was taken from my son.”
Danny Santulli rushed Phi Gamma Delta fraternity during his freshman year at Mizzou. According to court documents, Danny participated in “Pledge Dad Reveal Night” at the fraternity on October 19, 2021, where he was instructed to consume an entire bottle of vodka. Just before midnight, Danny was found in distress on a couch.
Thirty minutes later, around 12:30 a.m., Santulli began sliding off the couch and ended up with his face on the floor. He lost control of his arms and legs and remained in that position until a passerby in the room helped him back onto the couch. Prosecutors stated that no one called 911, and instead, his fraternity brothers picked him up and drove him to the hospital. Ultimately, Santulli was driven to University Hospital in Columbia in one of the brother’s cars.
“Who in their right mind would give an 18-year-old, recently graduated from high school, weighing 140 pounds, a bottle of Tito’s vodka and instruct him to consume it?” questioned Tom Santulli, Danny’s father. “Do I believe Ryan Delanty wanted Danny handicapped for life? No. Do I believe Ryan intended to cause serious bodily harm to Danny? Yes.”
Upon arrival at the hospital, Danny was not breathing, and his blood alcohol content was .468, nearly six times the legal limit in Missouri. Today, Danny is in a wheelchair, blind, and unable to communicate or care for himself.
“Danny was failed that night by people he thought were his friends and brothers,” voiced Ellen Haugh, Danny’s cousin. “No one from the fraternity assisted Danny out of fear of consequences and further probation.”
On Friday, Danny’s pledge dad, Ryan Delanty, was sentenced to serve six months in Boone County Jail followed by another six months under house arrest after pleading guilty to hazing and supplying alcohol to a minor earlier in the month. Delanty’s attorney, Stephanie Fortus, expressed his remorse.
“He understands the devastating impact this has had on Danny’s family; he recognizes the injuries Danny has endured; he acknowledges the recklessness in giving him that bottle of vodka that night,” Fortus stated. “He wishes he could change it all every minute. By pleading guilty and accepting his punishment, he hopes everyone can move forward.”
The Santulli family revealed that Delanty never apologized to them and did not appear remorseful for the incident.
“I wish Danny had disclosed how poorly he was treated by Ryan Delanty and other Fiji members,” expressed Meredeth Santulli, Danny’s sister. “Had I been aware, I would have never taken him to that house on that fateful Tuesday night. Ryan and the fraternity’s lack of empathy affected me the most.”
Now, the Santulli family is advocating for the passage of Danny’s Law by Missouri lawmakers, which would grant immunity to individuals rendering aid to hazing victims or being the first to call 911. Tom Santulli believes that had this law been in place in 2021, Danny’s situation today could have been different.
“It would make a significant difference, and if it passes, saving lives across the country in the future would be credited to Danny,” Tom Santulli expressed.
The bill has been under discussion in Jefferson City for the past two years with minimal progress. The Santulli family hopes that with the primary perpetrator of this hazing incident now incarcerated, there will be more momentum towards passing “Danny’s Law” in the next legislative session.
Mary Pat, who serves as Danny’s full-time caregiver, mentioned progress being made by Danny.
“Every day, he grows stronger; he continues to fight through this to return to us,” she acknowledged. “We observe small changes daily and celebrate them. We stand up for Danny every day, and he makes us a better family and individuals.”
Six other fraternity brothers have pleaded guilty in this case, while four others have pending cases. The Santulli family focused on this particular fraternity brother since he was responsible for Danny on that critical night in 2021.
“They aided the prosecutor, which may lead to lighter plea deals for them,” Tom Santulli remarked. “Do I wish for them to suffer like we did with Ryan? No. He was the main perpetrator today.”
Shortly after the October 2021 incident, Mizzou ceased recognizing the fraternity as a student organization, and the national organization shut down the chapter.
