11 More Penn State Fraternity Members To Head To Trial Over Timothy Piazza's Death
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HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS/AP) — A Pennsylvania judge says there is enough evidence to send hazing and alcohol-related criminal charges to county court for trial against 11 more members of a Penn State fraternity over the death of a pledge last year.
Judge Steven Lachman on Monday also dismissed allegations that a member of Beta Theta Pi had erased basement security video to thwart investigators.
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He's dismissing all reckless endangerment counts the defendants had faced and pared down other counts.
Defendants face charges as a result of the February 2017 death of 19-year-old Tim Piazza of Lebanon, New Jersey.
Officials say Piazza died of severe head and abdominal injuries after a night of drinking that followed a pledge bid acceptance ceremony.
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Last week, Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro called on a judge to reinstate involuntary manslaughter charges against five former fraternity members in Piazza's death. In a statement, Shapiro said he is "pleased" that more people are headed to trial.
"The Office of Attorney General is committed to seeking justice for Timothy Piazza and his family and holding responsible individuals accountable for their actions, consistent with the law and the evidence in this case," said Shapiro. "We are in the process of reviewing the judge's decision to determine next steps, and are pleased that 11 more defendants we charged will be headed to trial."
Fourteen other members of the now-shuttered fraternity are also awaiting trial.
(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
