Video Evidence Reveals Brutal Attack (Image Credits: 8newsnow.com)
Las Vegas – A private school field trip to Costa Rica last spring spiraled into allegations of a violent group sexual assault captured on video, prompting charges against one participant while Costa Rican police professed ignorance of the entire episode.[1]
Video Evidence Reveals Brutal Attack
Four eighth-grade boys from Alexander Dawson School allegedly pinned down a classmate at Hotel Manuel Antonio during the April 2025 trip, pulling down his pants and underwear before assaulting him with a flute and punches. The victim screamed in pain and begged them to stop, but the group laughed throughout the ordeal. One teen, Vaughn Griffith, filmed the graphic encounter, which lasted over two minutes and showed the boys mocking the boy as he fought back.[1]
Earlier on the trip, the same group had stripped the victim and tossed his clothes off a balcony, forcing him to hide in a bathroom. The footage, first preserved on Snapchat, included chilling audio: one boy threatened to “cut off his penis” if he resisted further, while others declared the acts “clearly sexual” and an “assault.” Las Vegas Metro Police later obtained the sealed videos as evidence.[1]
Delayed Discovery Sparks Investigation
The school principal learned of a related video on May 16, 2025, showing students spanking each other. That same evening, the victim’s mother reported the full assault. School officials contacted police the next day, launching a Metro investigation.[1]
By July, authorities arrested 14-year-old Griffith, now 15, charging him with possession of material depicting child sexual conduct. A judge transferred the case to adult court in October, calling the offense “heinous and egregious” despite his strong academic record and family support. Griffith posted $20,000 bail with strict conditions, including electronic monitoring and no contact with the victim. He pleaded not guilty last week; his next hearing comes in June.[1]
- April 3-11, 2025: School trip occurs.
- April 5: Initial stripping incident.
- April 8-9: Main assault at hotel.
- May 17: Police investigation begins.
- October 2025: Adult court transfer and bail.
Costa Rica Police Report No Record
Despite the incident unfolding at a Quepos-area hotel, a representative from Delegacion Policial Quepos informed reporters on February 2 that local law enforcement had no awareness of any such assault. No complaints reached Costa Rican authorities during or after the trip.[1]
Clark County prosecutors offered no updates on the other three suspects, whose names remained absent from adult court records. Juvenile proceedings stay sealed from public view. The disconnect highlights challenges in reporting incidents abroad during supervised school outings.[1]
Responses from School and Families
Alexander Dawson School, where annual tuition reaches $32,500, issued a statement through attorney Ellen Herzog: “We take any such allegations incredibly seriously and promptly reported them to law enforcement once brought to our attention.” The institution emphasized its focus on nurturing students through grade eight but declined further comment due to the students’ ages.[1]
The victim’s legal team, including attorneys David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld, expressed confidence in the justice system. Griffith’s lawyer, Joshua Judd, raised concerns over “disparate treatment” compared to others involved. A psychologist recommended juvenile handling for rehabilitation, finding no signs of predatory behavior.[1]
Key Takeaways
- One teen faces adult charges; others’ cases remain under wraps.
- Costa Rican police never received reports despite the location.
- School acted swiftly upon learning details, cooperating with investigators.
This case underscores the hidden dangers of group travel for young teens and the complexities of accountability across borders. As proceedings continue, families await resolution. What steps should schools take to prevent such tragedies? Share your thoughts in the comments.
