Student to face trial on charges of kidnapping

By KATHY O'BRIEN
and SCOTT PERRY
Collegian Staff Writers

A 19-year-old University student was bound over for trial yesterday by District Justice Clifford Yorks on charges of kidnapping, terroristic threats and criminal mischief.

Juan Villarreal of 115 Snyder allegedly held two residents of Snyder Hall in their room on Feb. 26, against their will for two hours and threatened to kill them. The roommates were treated at Centre Community Hospital for minor injuries, according to court documents.

He allegedly put a pillow case over one of the victims' heads and asked what kind of music he wanted to hear before he died, according to court records.

Although Villarreal was a University student, he is not enrolled at the University at this time, said Donald Suit, director of the office of Judicial Affairs.

Although he could not comment specifically on the Villarreal case, Suit said all students have a right to a hearing. The hearing could be held without the student present, and the student may submit a written statement or give one over the phone, Suit said.

John Cahir, vice provost and dean of undergraduate education, said Villarreal was one of 30 students involved in the University's federally funded College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP). He said the program gets children of migrant workers into college and gives them support -- especially during their freshman year.

The home life of these students is often not stable, he said, adding that they frequently move. There is bonding that occurs among the group, he added.

"They can learn how to cope at the University," he said.

Because Cahir knows Villarreal personally, he did not want to discuss the case, but he said in his opinion, "he is a fine young man."

But no matter what others think of Villarreal, actions must be taken to handle the situation he allegedly caused.

East Halls Resident Life Coordinator Judy Albin said the police are working with the district attorney's office to deal with the problem.

The Office of Residence Life spoke to the victims and made sure the RA kept in touch with them, she said. Residence Life gave the victims the option of having their room switched or finding a different room for the night, Albin said.

But Albin said the two students felt safe enough to stay in their own room.

"They had a lot of support, and not only from us," Albin said.