Ryan Delanty, the “pledge dad” responsible for overseeing the hazing of Mizzou freshman Danny Santulli in 2021, has been sentenced to six months in jail and six months of house arrest. Delanty pleaded guilty earlier this month to hazing and supplying alcohol to a minor following a tragic incident at a fraternity event.
On October 19, 2021, Santulli was forced to drink a liter of vodka during a Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) fraternity “Pledge Dad Reveal Night,” resulting in a blood alcohol content of .486%, nearly six times the legal limit in Missouri. Santulli was later found in distress, unconscious on a couch, but no one called 911. The incident left him unable to walk, talk, or see.
In court, Santulli’s mother, Mary Pat, shared her painful experience of becoming her son’s full-time caregiver, a role she never anticipated but now finds rewarding despite the hardships. Danny’s father, Tom, expressed his belief that while Delanty may not have wanted to cause such harm, his actions directly led to his son’s severe and permanent injuries.
Delanty’s attorney, Stephanie Howlett, conveyed his remorse, stating that Delanty would forever be haunted by the incident. However, the Santulli family remained focused on holding Delanty accountable for the life-altering consequences of his actions.
Delanty’s sentence includes six months in Boone County Jail, followed by house arrest. Additionally, five other fraternity members have pleaded guilty in connection to the hazing, while four others still have pending cases. The Santulli family continues to seek justice for their son, emphasizing the responsibility Delanty held that night.
