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The
Feb. 4 death of prospective member Timothy Piazza, 19, after a
drinking game known as "The Gauntlet" resulted in charges
including involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault
against members of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity.
The hearing, which will determine whether the case will proceed
to trial, has taken place over several days, beginning in June
at Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. Closing
arguments began on Wednesday after the testimony of a final
witness, Tim Bream, a university employee who lived in the
fraternity house as an adviser.
Eight members, including the fraternity president, Brandon
Young, face felony charges that could result in many years in
prison. The other defendants are charged with misdemeanors.
Piazza, of Lebanon, New Jersey, died of multiple injuries
suffered while drunkenly falling multiple times - including
twice down a flight of stairs - during hazing activities on the
night of Feb. 2 at the fraternity house near the Penn State
campus in State College.
Authorities say the fraternity brothers waited for hours before
calling for medical help. Piazza died of head and spleen
injuries suffered in the falls.
A State College police officer, David Scicchitano, testified at
the hearing that Piazza was required to participate in
activities that involved heavy consumption of alcohol. One was
called "The Gauntlet," a drinking obstacle course in which
pledges consumed large amounts of vodka, wine and beer in the
span of a few minutes.
Much of the hazing was captured on security camera footage that
has been played in court. Jim and Evelyn Piazza, Timothy’s
parents, who have been attending the hearing, have left the
courtroom when the harrowing video has been shown to the judge.
(Editing by Barbara Goldberg and Jonathan Oatis)
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