Mississippi Student Accused of Shooting Roommate Sues University

A former student accused of shooting his roommate in an off-campus apartment has sued the University of Southern Mississippi, alleging that it violated his rights by expelling him and tampering with his files.

According to the lawsuit filed in Forrest County Circuit Court, Adrel Ryan Tutwiler’s file claims that he withdrew from USM. Tutwiler says he never withdrew, but was expelled. He said he paid the university a considerable amount of money, but it did not uphold its end of their contract.

Hattiesburg police booked Tutwiler Aug. 20 on an aggravated assault charge. He allegedly shot his roommate four times.

University Counsel Jon Mark Weathers told the Hattiesburg American that the university denies Tutwiler’s allegations and will defend itself vigorously.