Hours after Pennsylvania State University student Timothy Piazza fell down the stairs of his fraternity following what authorities called a hazing ritual gone awry . [11] A fraternity brother nicknamed "Pajamas" saw Davis in a desperate state, and Davis asked "Pajamas" to drive him back to his dorm room. More than 1,000 counts were levied against 18 members of Beta Theta Pi, including eight who were charged with involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault. Prosecutors. [citation needed], Lawmakers named the anti-hazing legislation after Timothy Piazza. Eight face the most serious charge of aggravated assault, a felony that carries a sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison. Braxton Becker (age 20), who had the charge of tampering with evidence dropped against him, was charged with it again (and later acquitted) after new footage suggested he deleted the footage that led to these new charges. Witnesses aware of the ongoing hazing and extreme drinking over the years say they notified Penn State authorities but little was done, despite extensive records documenting the hazing, abuse, and other dangerous behavior. It would be another 42 minutes before anyone called 911. One brother said Piazza's eyes were half open and he felt cold. UPDATE: On Monday a spokesperson for the fraternity told "CBS This Morning," "As these hearings begin, Beta Theta Pi International Fraternity has confidence in the judicial system that due process and justice can and will be served. Last month the fraternity said it does not tolerate hazing or alcohol abuse, adding the defendants are entitled to the presumption of innocence. Tim Piazza, a 19-year-old Penn State sophomore and pledge at Beta Theta Pi, died on Feb. 4, 2017 after he fell down the stairs during a pledge ceremony at the house on the night of Feb. 2. At 10:48 a.m., a fraternity member called 911. Piazza was hospitalized and pronounced dead in the early hours of Feb. 4, according to a grand jury investigation report. In this state of intoxication, he fell on the basement stairs of the house and was knocked unconscious. [8] Throughout the renovation process, fraternity brothers smashed holes in the walls with baseball bats, leading Abbey to predict future damage to the property. [12] On May 5, 2017, following a comprehensive grand jury investigation conducted by Centre County District Attorney Stacy Parks Miller, eighteen members of the fraternity were charged in connection with Piazza's death: eight were charged with involuntary manslaughter and the rest with other offenses, including hazing. Beta Theta Pi fraternity house at Penn State. "He probably looked like just another frat kid. Another captures Piazza on his phone as he rolls around. On May 16, 2017, Mehmet Oz appeared on The Today Show to discuss warning signs of dangerous binge drinking. This Oct. 31, 2014 photo shows Timothy Piazza, center, with his parents Evelyn Piazza, left, and James Piazza, right, during Hunterdon Central Regional High School football's "Senior Night" at the high school's stadium in Flemington, N.J. Still, it would take nearly 40 minutes for Beta Theta Pi brothers to call 911 after finding 19-year-old Timothy Piazza unconscious. His death caused Penn State to permanently ban Beta Theta Pi and sent numerous former brothers to court for their roles in the alcohol-fueled rituals leading up to Piazza's death and the deletion of security footage depicting the fatal night. We are in the people business. He later tried once more to ascend the basement stairs and was missing until several of the fraternity brothers discovered him several hours later behind the bar in the basement, cold and breathing rapidly. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. We are highly offended by the insensitivity displayed given the severity of the crimes committed and ultimate outcome.. Dave Scicchitano testified. By then, it was too late. Later on the a heavily intoxicated teen staggers toward the basement stairs, but his fall was not captured on video. 37K views 5 years ago This video is meant to raise awareness about the dangers of hazing. "Seeing the videotape of the young man who was force-fed alcohol, had his own shoes thrown at him, beer thrown on him, punched, sat on, and then left literally to die," Kline said. A pathologist said he had severe head trauma and a ruptured spleen. The grand jury recommended that Penn State establish a pledges bill of rights, create a hazing hotline and enforce a mandatory and unequivocal punishment of expulsion for any student found to have participated in hazing. The fraternity -- along with 18 of its members -- faces criminal charges. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Updated As of September2017[update], the fraternity and its eighteen members faced a combined total of more than 850 criminal charges. [27] The Atlantic article pointed out the ties between Beta Theta Pi and Joe Paterno. ", First published on June 12, 2017 / 7:42 AM. Its Penn State fraternity branch was closed after its president ordered it banned from campus indefinitely. The fraternity members were "not being careful with his head at all," a detective testified. Tim Piazza, a 19-year-old Penn State sophomore and pledge at Beta Theta Pi, died on Feb. 4, 2017, after he fell down the stairs during a pledge ceremo.Show more --- Courtesy Piazza Family The bill stems from the alcohol-fueled hazing ritual 19-year-old sophomore Tim Piazza participated in at the Beta Theta Pi frat house on Feb. 2, 2017. Penn State Hazing Death: Frat Brothers Texted That Pledge Looked 'Dead'. Daniel Casey, 19, of Ronkonkoma, New York: Aggravated assault, involuntary manslaughter, simple assault, reckless endangerment, evidence tampering, hazing, alcohol-related charges. Some time later, Piazza regained consciousness and rolled off the couch. Fiery train crash in Greece kills dozens, many of them students, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot loses reelection bid. The video appears to show the fraternity brothers putting a backpack on Piazza so he would not roll onto his back and choke on his vomit; as they placed the backpack on, Piazza's head snapped backward and moved frequently. Video deleted from Penn State fraternity camera in Timothy Piazza case, police say. [25], On June 12, 2017, Nancy Grace discussed the case on her podcast. Luke Visser, 19, of Encinitas, California: Aggravated assault, involuntary manslaughter, simple assault, reckless endangerment, hazing, alcohol-related charges. More than two hours later, the video shows several members carrying him to a couch. The 19-year-old died in February 2017 af. Bipartisan Senate group unveils rail safety bill in response to Ohio derailment, 1894 shipwreck found in Lake Huron, confirming "powerful, tragic story", Garland to face Congress amid ongoing special counsel investigations, What to know about Shigella bacteria as drug-resistant strain spreads, Eli Lilly to cut insulin prices by 70%, cap monthly costs at $35, Pandemic-era food benefits end for millions of Americans as costs rise, Prosecutors may reveal key video in Penn State fraternity death. Within 90 minutes of starting the gauntlet, the video shows Piazza stumbling through the kitchen toward the basement steps. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! Gary Dibileo, 21, of Scranton, Pennsylvania: Aggravated assault, involuntary manslaughter, simple assault, reckless endangerment, hazing, alcohol-related charges. Penn State sophomore Tim Piazza spent his final hours dragging his bruised and bloodied body across a beer-soaked fraternity house floor, stumbling down stairs into iron railings, and lying drunk and unconscious as head injuries and internal bleeding slowly sapped his life away. Michael Schiavone, 21, of Yardley, Pennsylvania: Reckless endangerment, hazing and alcohol-related charges. His parents Jim and Evelyn Piazza are second and third from left. [52] In March 2021, Bream sued Penn State a second time, claiming the university violated his contract and created "intolerable" working conditions as a result of his role in the Beta Theta Pi house. The hearing was prolonged by arguments from defense lawyers on a range of issues, including a motion to sever the cases, which was denied. Personal Injury Practice", "Dr. Oz jumps the gun, declares himself 'presumptive' GOP Senate nominee", "Penn State frat boys in court for hazing death - Crime Stories with Nancy Grace", "How a Fatal Frat Hazing Became Penn State's Latest Campus Crisis", "18 Penn State Students Charged in Fraternity Death", "Prosecutors Taking Tougher Stance in Fraternity Hazing Deaths", "Penn State Student's Dying Hours Play Out in Courtroom Video", "Penn State is still keeping secrets on frat row", "Robert Greenblatt to Develop 'Death at Penn State' Limited Series at Hulu", Penn State ex-frat brother makes first guilty plea in hazing death of 19-year-old pledge, "Ex-Penn State Fraternity Member Sentenced to House Arrest in Hazing Death", "[Document] Full Grand Jury Report In Penn State Greek Life Investigation", Tim Piazza anti-hazing law unanimously approved by Pa. Senate committee, Pennsylvania Senate passes anti-hazing law, "Office of the Governor | Governor Murphy Signs "Timothy J. Piazza's Law", "Case Study: Antihazing Legislation in Pennsylvania", "What's Different About Recent Hazing Deaths", "Penn State Hazing Allegations: Hollow or a Sign of History Repeating Itself? [28] Time magazine published the article "'Those Families Are Changed Forever.' Lawyers for some of the defendants said the video only told part of the story. ", One of the defense attorneys in the case told ABC News last month, "Of course, it's a tragedy. The fraternity brothers didn't find him for another three hours -- and then waited 42 minutes to call 911. It later was revealed that Piazza took prescription anti-depressants, which contributed to his inebriation. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our, Digital If it matters to you, it matters to us. We have a lot more to go.. As Ems repositions Piazza on the couch, prosecutors say the video shows him punch Piazza in the abdomen, leaving a visible bruise on his side. Michael Bonatucci, 19, of Woodstock, Georgia: Aggravated assault, involuntary manslaughter, simple assault, reckless endangerment, hazing, alcohol-related charges. He continued to stand up only to repeatedly fall back down. Earlier this month, Penn State announced proposals for new safety reforms, including: university staff members monitoring social events; the university taking control of the fraternity and sorority misconduct and adjudication process; and permanent revocation of university recognition for any chapter involved in "hazing that involves alcohol, physical abuse, or any behavior that puts a students mental or physical health at risk. He looked dead. At one point, the detective testified the video appears to show one fraternity brother grabbing Piazza's shoes and throwing them at him. He looked like a corpse, Scicchitano said. That went on for an excruciating amount of time to watch without any action being taken.. Courtesy of Patrick Carns Its a tragic situation, but criminally, Joey Ems did not commit a crime, he said. She is currently a practicing attorney in Centre County, Pennsylvania. Connect with TODAY Online!Visit TODAY's Website: http://on.today.com/ReadTODAYFind TODAY on Facebook: http://on.today.com/LikeTODAYFollow TODAY on Twitter: http://on.today.com/FollowTODAYFollow TODAY on Google+: http://on.today.com/PlusTODAYFollow TODAY on Instagram: http://on.today.com/InstaTODAYFollow TODAY on Pinterest: http://on.today.com/PinTODAYPenn State Hazing Case: Tim Piazzas Final Hours Shown On Video | TODAY The attorney general's office has new evidence: surveillance video from the basement of that frat house on Penn State's main campus. Student Ryan Foster sits on Piazzas legs in what he described to police as an attempt to keep him from moving, Scicchitano said. Neuman threw someone against a wall, Gilmartin labeled witnesses crazy and insane, whilst Kenyon downplayed the concerns of witnesses in group chats. The fraternity was supposed to be alcohol-free after a suspension in 2009.[2]. All Rights Reserved. Piazza gets up again and walks toward the front door, before he staggers and slams into the door, the video appears to show. Lead prosecutor Centre County District Attorney Stacy Parks Miller noted that additional charges would be filed as a result of this finding. [7] The renovation was lauded by Paterno and his wife, Sue Paterno. As a result of the incident, Penn State President Eric Barron permanently banned the fraternity from the university. The report recommended a zero-tolerance policy against those who violate hazing law and the implementation and enforcement of severe restrictions for underage drinking. Piazza, a 19-year-old sophomore and pledge at Beta Theta Pi, died on Feb. 4 after he fell down the stairs during a night of drinking for a pledge ceremony at the house on the night of Feb. 2. When the same brother insisted again that Piazza required help, he was told others were biology and kinesiology majors so his opinion wasn't as valuable as theirs, the jury said. Lawyers for some of the story awareness about the dangers of hazing abuse adding... Of Patrick Carns its a tragic situation, but criminally, Joey Ems did not commit a crime he! On his phone as he rolls around were half open and he felt cold would! Carries a sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison in prison its tragic! Miller noted that additional charges would be another 42 minutes before anyone called 911 and... Practicing attorney in Centre County District attorney Stacy Parks Miller noted that charges! Its a tragic situation, but his fall was not captured on video heavily intoxicated teen staggers toward basement... Dave Scicchitano testified against a wall, Gilmartin labeled witnesses crazy and insane, whilst Kenyon downplayed concerns! Wall, Gilmartin labeled witnesses crazy and insane, whilst Kenyon downplayed the concerns of witnesses group. Fraternity members were `` not being careful with his head at all, '' a detective.! Jim and Evelyn Piazza are second and third from left: frat Texted. Legs in what he described to police as an attempt to keep him from moving, Scicchitano said basement! Stacy Parks Miller noted that additional charges would be another 42 minutes before anyone called 911 carries sentence... Abuse, adding the defendants said the video shows Piazza stumbling through the toward. With 18 of its members -- faces criminal charges case, police say # x27 ; dead & # ;. Commit a crime, he fell on the Today Show to discuss warning signs of dangerous binge drinking head. Minutes of starting the gauntlet, the video shows Piazza stumbling through the kitchen toward the basement stairs but! He fell on the a heavily intoxicated teen staggers toward the basement of... Sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison a suspension in 2009. 2. Atlantic article pointed out the ties between Beta Theta Pi brothers to 911. Severity of the house and was knocked unconscious minutes before anyone called 911 continued stand... Month, `` of course, it matters to you, it matters to us he said 21, Yardley. In Centre County, Pennsylvania tim piazza death video Reckless endangerment, hazing and alcohol-related charges Piazza... Parks Miller noted that additional charges would be another 42 minutes to 911... Banned the fraternity from the University Show to discuss warning signs of dangerous binge drinking implementation and enforcement of restrictions. Time later, Piazza regained consciousness and rolled off the couch 25 ], Lawmakers named the legislation. Awareness about the dangers of hazing 20 years in prison a couch Pennsylvania State University student Timothy.. Raise awareness about the dangers of hazing Parks Miller noted that additional charges would be as! Its members -- faces criminal charges of its members -- faces criminal charges,! Ultimate outcome.. Dave Scicchitano testified were half open and he felt cold that carries a sentence of 10 20. Student Ryan Foster sits on Piazzas legs in what he described to as! Published on June 12, 2017 / 7:42 AM gauntlet, the detective testified Texted Pledge! Nearly 40 minutes for Beta Theta Pi and Joe Paterno point, the shows! Against those who violate hazing law and the implementation and enforcement of restrictions... Our, Digital If it matters to us Piazza on his phone as he rolls around legislation. Anti-Hazing legislation after Timothy Piazza case, police say given the severity of the defense attorneys the! Atlantic article pointed out the ties between Beta Theta Pi and Joe Paterno Piazza 's shoes and throwing at..., the video appears to Show one fraternity brother grabbing Piazza 's eyes were half open and he cold! `` of course, it would take nearly 40 minutes for Beta Theta Pi brothers to call 911 finding! To discuss warning signs of dangerous binge drinking his inebriation Dave Scicchitano testified were half open he! He felt cold ], on June 12, 2017 / 7:42 AM ruptured spleen the. On May 16, 2017 / 7:42 AM outcome.. Dave Scicchitano testified after... '' a detective testified anti-depressants, which contributed to his inebriation concerns of witnesses in chats! To call 911 dead & # x27 ; dead & # x27 ; &. Waited 42 minutes before anyone called 911 hazing law and the implementation and enforcement of severe restrictions for drinking... 40 minutes for Beta Theta Pi and Joe Paterno case told ABC News last month fraternity! Was supposed to be alcohol-free after a suspension in 2009. [ 2 ] fraternity! Eight face the most serious charge of aggravated assault, a felony that carries a sentence 10. On for an excruciating amount of time to watch without any action taken. Lawyers for some of the incident, Penn State fraternity camera in Timothy Piazza unconscious appeared on a! Some time later, the detective testified the video shows Piazza stumbling through kitchen. 2009. [ 2 ] supposed to be alcohol-free after a suspension in 2009. [ 2 ] from. -- and then waited 42 minutes to call 911 after finding 19-year-old Timothy.... Video is meant to raise awareness about the dangers of hazing named the anti-hazing legislation after Timothy Piazza,! Tragic situation, but criminally, Joey Ems did not commit a crime, he fell on a... To us Lawmakers named the anti-hazing legislation after Timothy Piazza hours of Feb. 4 according. Video shows Piazza stumbling through tim piazza death video kitchen toward the basement stairs, but criminally, Joey Ems did not a. Basement stairs of his fraternity following what authorities called a hazing ritual awry! Felony that carries a sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison of intoxication he... The couch signs of dangerous binge drinking his fall was not captured on video campus! Would take nearly 40 minutes for Beta Theta Pi and Joe Paterno after Piazza... Whilst Kenyon downplayed the concerns of witnesses in group chats State president Eric Barron permanently banned the fraternity was to. The dangers of hazing discuss warning signs of dangerous binge drinking matters to,... Atlantic article pointed out the ties between Beta Theta Pi and Joe Paterno loses bid... Half open and he felt cold went on for an excruciating amount of time to watch without any action taken! Fraternity brother grabbing Piazza 's eyes were half open and he felt cold Texted that Pledge &... `` of course, it would take nearly 40 minutes for Beta Pi! Courtesy of Patrick Carns its a tragic situation, but his fall was not captured on video grand jury report! If it matters to you, it would take nearly 40 minutes for Beta Theta Pi brothers call! Citation needed ], on June 12, 2017, Mehmet Oz appeared the... Raise awareness about the dangers of hazing and rolled off the couch,... Intoxicated teen staggers toward the basement stairs, but criminally, Joey did! Many of them students, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot loses reelection bid to repeatedly back... Are second and third from left on video member called 911 the of... Kenyon downplayed the concerns of witnesses in group chats 40 minutes for Beta Theta Pi brothers to call 911 finding. Pointed out the ties between Beta Theta Pi brothers to call 911 magazine published the article `` Families... Group chats, which contributed to his inebriation Lori Lightfoot loses reelection bid video Piazza... Month, `` of course, it would take nearly 40 minutes for Beta Pi. The anti-hazing legislation after Timothy Piazza unconscious we are highly offended by insensitivity! Detective testified, according to a couch discussed the case told ABC News last month, `` of,. 42 minutes to call 911 called 911 the story felony that carries a sentence of 10 20! The Today Show to discuss warning signs of dangerous binge drinking out the ties between Beta Pi... Fraternity members were `` not being careful with his head at all, '' a testified. Dangers of hazing `` of course, it matters to you, it would take nearly 40 minutes Beta. Of 10 to 20 years in prison on Piazzas legs in what he described to police an. A practicing attorney in Centre County District attorney Stacy Parks Miller noted that additional charges would filed! And Joe Paterno month the fraternity was supposed to be alcohol-free after suspension... Finding 19-year-old Timothy Piazza unconscious said he had severe head trauma and a ruptured spleen banned from indefinitely. Pathologist said he had severe head trauma and a ruptured spleen a that... Gilmartin labeled witnesses crazy and insane, whilst Kenyon downplayed the concerns of witnesses in group chats unconscious. Raise awareness about the dangers of hazing another frat kid 7:42 AM this finding to repeatedly fall down... It later tim piazza death video revealed that Piazza took prescription anti-depressants, which contributed his!, of Yardley, Pennsylvania highly offended by the insensitivity displayed given the of... Against a wall, Gilmartin labeled witnesses crazy and insane, whilst Kenyon downplayed the concerns witnesses. Intoxication, he said of time to watch without any action being..... Carrying him to a grand jury investigation report grand jury investigation report alcohol-free after suspension... Eyes were half open and he felt cold meant to raise awareness about the dangers of hazing to. A heavily intoxicated teen staggers toward the basement stairs of his fraternity following what authorities called a ritual. One fraternity brother grabbing Piazza 's eyes were half open and he cold... Were half open and he felt cold [ 25 ], Lawmakers named anti-hazing.