Ex-student to face judge in body fluids contamination case

HARTFORD, Conn. – A former Connecticut college student is facing arraignment on allegations she smeared body fluids on her roommate’s belongings.

Brianna Brochu is scheduled to appear Tuesday in Hartford Superior Court. She’s charged with misdemeanour criminal mischief and breach of peace. Prosecutors say they’re determining whether to add a hate crime charge.

The 18-year-old Harwinton resident, who is white, is accused of contaminating her black roommate’s belongings at the University of Hartford.

Police say Brochu wrote on Instagram about rubbing used tampons on her roommate’s backpack and putting her roommate’s toothbrush “where the sun doesn’t shine.” Her roommate, Chennel Rowe, said she developed severe throat pain.

Officials say Brochu no longer attends the university.

Brochu told the Republican-American newspaper that she acted foolishly, but she is not a bigot.