Text of court statements by Carson Starkey's parents

JULIA STARKEY:

There are not enough words to express how I felt Dec. 2nd, the day we got the unthinkable call from the SLO coroner that changed our lives forever. We lost our son. Hayden lost his only brother and best friend. It is difficult for me to express how I feel today. It is indescribable. Your foolish and reckless behavior has caused our hearts to have a permanent hole, a void that will never be filled. Our family was so very close, we did everything together. Unfortunately, nothing that happens here today will bring Carson back. Our family has forever been changed by the loss of our loving son and brother. Carson’s death was so senseless and easily avoidable.

Carson was 18 years old and 2000 miles from home. He chose an out of state college without any friends, as he wanted to expand his horizons and meet new and interesting people. When Carson told us he wanted to join your fraternity, I remember being surprised as he had said he wouldn't join one. But, then I said to his Dad that at least we could be comforted that he had a group of friends to take care of him, well I was wrong. Carson told us he was looking for brotherhood. Would you call the way you treated him brotherhood? Your actions and your choices to not help him that night are memories you and I will have to live with the rest of our lives.

My hope is that you will honor Carson by learning from his tragic death and help spread the message that hazing is wrong and needs to stop! Helping one another is the right thing to do, even if there are consequences to face. I hope these hazing convictions will make a statement for change so other families will not have to endure the pain that we have endured and will have for years to come. I am asking you today to do the right thing, spread this message, implement change and make a difference with your life and others.

SCOTT STARKEY:

We would like to gratefully thank the District Attorney’s Office and Police Department. We sincerely appreciate all their efforts to see justice served. Our family is committed to doing everything we can to help change the culture, behavior, and traditions that led to Carson’s death. We are confident the precedent being set here today is one of the many steps necessary to create positive change.

Mr. Ibrahim and Mr. Ellis

As I address you today my words are also directed to all the individuals involved in Carson’s death.

Carson was my son but also my good friend. He and I shared a special bond. I will have to suffer this loss for the rest of my Earthly life.

In some way you failed him. Your culture failed him. Your organization failed him. Your failed attempts at brotherhood failed him.

There have been countless lives affected by this tragedy, some we are not even aware of. I pray you will be able to grow from this experience and find ways to use your lives to help stop such irresponsible and immature behavior that hides behind so called tradition. I hope you realize how senseless and easily preventable Carson’s death was.

One day you may be fathers. If so, please keep Carson alive in your hearts as you love and raise your own children.

Today there is no turning back.

Stand up and accept your responsibility.

Make something good out of this tragedy.