SMU Police are investigating a Sept. 22 assault that occurred outside the Sigma Chi house involving Thomas Seward and first-year Matthew Sherman.
According to the police report, Sherman was dropped off at the Sigma Chi house at 2:15 a.m. where 12 people standing outside the house, including Seward, appeared to be waiting for him. Capt. Tom Jones of the SMU PD identified Seward as a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. As the men approached Sherman, profanity ensued.
Seward then allegedly punched Sherman in the mouth. After Sherman fell to the ground, two of Sherman’s female friends, who were standing outside the house, rushed him to Dallas Presbyterian Hospital for emergency surgery on his mouth.
When police arrived on the scene, an eyewitness told them that the suspect had run into the Sigma Chi house. An extensive search of the house revealed nothing.
Later that evening, police received a phone call from Sherman’s mother, who was reporting the assault.
Although only one of Sherman’s teeth was lost during the altercation, but the damage was significant. For the next six months, Sherman will have to wear wire braces in order to keep his teeth in place, according to a report from Dr. Charles Chilcoat of Presbyterian Hospital quoted in the police report.
“[Seward] is now facing a second degree felony charge for aggravated assault,” said Capt. Mike Snellgrove of the SMU Police Department.
When questioned about the assault that took place in front of its house, Sigma Chi fraternity promised The Daily Campus a written statement on its behalf, but it was never received.
Attempts to call Sherman at the hospital were not returned. Neither student’s family will speak on behalf of the men involved while the investigation is pending.
Seward’s father referred all inquiries to his attorney, Gary Udashen, who refused to comment on the incident or discuss the case with the press.
“My investigation of this incident so far has shown that Mr. Seward did nothing improper or illegal,” Udashen said, “and I am confident that he will be exonerated in court.”
