37 Fraternity Members Face Charges After Accused of Hazing Freshman to Death

Baruch College fraternity Pi Delta Psi and its members are facing charges after freshman Michael Deng died from serious injuries and delayed medical treatment.

Five Baruch College fraternity members will face multiple charges for allegedly killing a college freshman in December 2013.

Pocono Mountain regional police chief Chris Wagner told reporters college freshman Michael Deng, who died of injuries during a hazing ritual, was “singled out” from the other four pledges by Delta Psi Brothers, but declined to say why.

Wagner said at a news conference the 19-year-old student was blindfolded and weighed down with a sand-filled backpack, while being tackled and forced to run. Deng’s delay in medical treatment also contributed to Deng’s death, according to the medical examiner.

The five fraternity members will face charges of third-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, hindering apprehension, and criminal conspiracy. Pi Delta Psi will face top criminal charges while the remaining 32 will also face less serious offenses.

Monroe County assistant district attorney told reporters:
"There's a variety of different levels of responsibility and involvement. From individuals who were actively involved to individuals who lied to the police to individuals who hid evidence to individuals who fled the scene."

Deng’s family has filed suit against the fraternity and Baruch College.

Written by

Kanika Lal

Kanika Lal moved to Los Angeles to pursue her career as a host, writer, and producer. She currently works for Ora TV’s NewsBreaker where she constantly keeps up with the latest stories, writes, and broadcasts them from Ora studios. Kanika began her love for journalism at The Hollywood Reporter as a digital news producer and red carpet correspondent. She had the honor of interviewing Anderson Cooper, John Mayer, Cate Blanchett, and covered the 71st Annual Golden Globes. After a rewarding and solid year, she then took her skills a step closer to her passion: hosting. You can catch her recapping television shows under Maria Menounos’ AfterBuzz TV as well as hosting and producing a Bollywood show for Menounos’ Popcorn Talk network. Kanika thrives on self-expression, and she achieves that through Indian classical and contemporary dance as well as hip-hop. She also has small but growing acting credits under her name, as she strives to branch out creatively. Kanika thrives on discovering hidden stories and engaging with a variety of people. She hopes to have an influence in the world of arts, pop culture, politics, and science.

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