The mother of Madison Brooks, a Louisiana State University student who was allegedly raped and killed in 2023, has spoken out against a defense motion to ban spectators from wearing the color pink to her daughter's trial. Ashley Baustert, Brooks' mother, stated that the color is worn in honor of her daughter and is not meant to disrupt or influence the proceedings.
Desmond Carter, one of the men accused of raping Brooks, has asked an East Baton Rouge Parish judge to prohibit the wearing of pink in the courtroom. His defense team argues that the color, often worn by supporters to memorialize Brooks, could potentially bias or intimidate the jury. A decision on this motion is expected on Thursday.
"We are not disruptive, we are very peaceful, and it's really just about Maddie's favorite color," Baustert told Fox News Digital. "We wear it to honor her. It's not about anyone except for Madison."
Brooks, 19, was an LSU sophomore pursuing a communications degree when she died in January 2023. She was allegedly raped by a group of men before being fatally struck by a vehicle on a Baton Rouge highway. The driver of the vehicle that hit her remained at the scene and was cleared of charges.
Baustert has described the ongoing legal process as "challenging" but remains committed to seeking accountability for her daughter's alleged attackers. "Nothing will bring Madison back, but we remain committed to honoring her life and ensuring that her voice is never forgotten," she said.
Brooks graduated from Saint Scholastica Academy in 2021, where she was an honor roll student, cheerleader, and active in several school organizations. Security footage from January 15, 2023, shows Brooks leaving a bar called Reggie's in Tigerland with four men, which is the last known sighting of her before the incident. Carter, along with Kaivon Washington and Casen Carver, are all facing rape charges in connection with the case. Carter is scheduled to appear before a judge on August 17.