Manslaughter, Assault Charges Tossed in Death of Frat Brother

18 members of Penn State fraternity had faced charges in death of Timothy Piazza
By Michael Harthorne,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 1, 2017 12:55 PM CDT
Manslaughter, Assault Charges Tossed in Death of Frat Brother
This Oct. 31, 2014 file photo shows Timothy Piazza with his parents.   (Patrick Carns via AP, FILE)

After preliminary hearings that stretched over three months regarding the death of a Penn State fraternity brother, a judge has thrown out the most serious charges against 18 of the deceased's fellow brothers, Penn Live reports. According to WNEP, the judge dismissed all charges of involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, and simple assault. Four fraternity brothers charged with a single criminal count are no longer charged at all.

The Pennsylvania judge ruled the DA didn't have enough evidence for the most serious charges. Timothy Piazza, 19, died Feb. 4—two days after suffering multiple drunken falls during and after a party at his fraternity. Despite his injuries, none of the other fraternity members called 911 until late the next morning. The DA alleges the men were negligent in not getting Piazza help sooner and also hid evidence. The charges that remain include reckless endangerment, furnishing alcohol to minors, and hazing. (More Penn State stories.)

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