Introduction to the Incident
New video and 911 calls are shedding light on the wild drunken teen party that led to the arrest of a Florida principal and teacher earlier this year.
Elizabeth Hill-Brodigan, principal at Roosevelt Elementary School in Cocoa Beach, and Karly Anderson, a teacher, were charged with child neglect and contributing to the delinquency of a minor back in January after officials said the party was hosted at Hill-Brodigan’s home.
The Party and Arrests
The Cocoa Beach Police Department said that when officers arrived at Hill-Brodigan’s home, they found more than 100 juveniles drinking alcohol that was available in coolers.
Elizabeth Hill-Brodigan and Karly Anderson were the two educators arrested in connection with the incident.
911 Calls and Testimonies
In one of the newly-released 911 calls, a student reported that the party was apparently out-of-control. "I’m in this group chat with a bunch of kids at this party and they’re all sending videos of everybody drinking, and there’s like fights going on. And I know that everybody drove there so I just wanted to let you guys know," the student says in the call. In another call, a woman who’s apparently a neighbor describes what she encountered. "There’s like this like big party down the street that they’re like pulling in and out of driveways. And like called me like a racial slur and it’s, I’m afraid something bad’s gonna happen," the woman said.
Body Camera Footage
The new body camera video shows law enforcement responding to the home. Fire rescue crews had also been called to the home after a drunk 17-year-old was found shaking and vomiting on the front lawn, authorities said. One of the videos shows Anderson speaking with an officer after a student was placed in a police car. "You know, I’m a teacher…who do you got put in that car?" Anderson asks. "It’s a kid but…" the officer says as Anderson cuts him off. "I was here hanging out at this party," Anderson says. "I mean what the f—, what’s wrong with them? You guys gotta ask better." The conversation escalates, with the officer stating that there were around 200 kids at the party drinking, and Anderson appearing to be intoxicated herself.
Aftermath and Consequences
Things get heated as the conversation continues and the officer again tells Anderson she’s intoxicated. The school district said Hill-Brodigan and Anderson were placed on leave after their arrests while they await the results of the investigation. But earlier this month, Anderson was allowed back to the classroom after her felony charge was dropped to disorderly conduct and disorderly intoxication. When the body camera footage was released this week, Anderson was placed on leave for a second time.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the serious consequences of hosting underage drinking parties and the importance of responsible adult supervision. The actions of Hill-Brodigan and Anderson have raised questions about the judgment and accountability of educators in positions of trust. As the investigation continues, the community awaits further developments and consequences for those involved.
FAQs
- Q: Who were the educators arrested in connection with the party?
A: Elizabeth Hill-Brodigan, the principal at Roosevelt Elementary School, and Karly Anderson, a teacher. - Q: What charges were they initially facing?
A: Child neglect and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. - Q: What happened to Karly Anderson’s charges?
A: Her felony charge was dropped to disorderly conduct and disorderly intoxication, but she was placed on leave again after body camera footage was released. - Q: How many juveniles were found drinking at the party?
A: More than 100. - Q: What was the condition of one 17-year-old found at the party?
A: The 17-year-old was found shaking and vomiting on the front lawn.
