UMass student pleads not guilty in alleged Amherst fraternity assault case

We're learning more about an alleged assault involving a Theta Chi fraternity member in Amherst. 22 News reporter Kaylee Thomas has new details from court documents and reaction from a student. A party at the Theta Chi Fraternity House on North Pleasant Street in Amherst turned frightening for one female UMass student who told police she was unable to breathe or call for help. Court documents say 19-year-old UMass freshman Grady Culhane approached her from behind, wrapped his arm around her neck and dragged her backwards toward a fence, and continued applying pressure while she was on the ground. Outside the fraternity around 11 p.m. on October 23rd. A first-year UMass student who asked to remain anonymous said hearing about the alleged assault left her shaken and concerned. It's definitely scary because like we college students like we always like outside at like night and stuff. And when asked whether she feels safe attending parties. No, like... I don't even be going to those anymore because like just the people here like we gotta like you gotta like double check everybody like I'm just not participating anymore. She reported headaches from hitting her head on the ground, a knee injury, soreness and difficulty speaking and swallowing. Police also documented red marks on her neck, chest and shoulder. Paramedics treated her at the scene. Court documents also include a statement from Culhane's roommate. He reported that Culhane was working security when he chased and grabbed people jumping the fence, then let go when he realized he had grabbed a woman. UMass Amherst said in a statement that Theta Chi was suspended in 2025 and was not recognized by the university. Therefore, they must operate separately from UMass. The university also said reports of violence can prompt a safety assessment to evaluate student needs, determine available support services, and consider possible temporary restrictions. Culhane was arraigned October 27 and released without posting bail, promising to return to court. He was ordered to stay away from the alleged victim and the UMass campus. In a statement, Theta Chi called the allegations abhorrent and says Culhane is suspended pending expulsion proceedings. The fraternity says it supports the woman and is conducting its own investigation while cooperating with law enforcement on theirs. A pretrial conference is set for January 8th, 2027. Working for you, Kaylee Thomas, 22 News.