Two Former Penn State Frat Brothers Plead Guilty In Tim Piazza Death

Two former Penn State Beta Theta Pi fraternity brothers involved in the death of former Penn State freshman Tim Piazza have pled guilty to 14 counts of hazing and one count of reckless endangerment, the Pennsylvania State Attorney General’s office announced .

Brendan Young, 28, was president of Beta Theta Pi, and Daniel Casey, 28, was the vice president and pledge master during spring 2017, each pled guilty more than seven years after Piazza died at a Beta Theta Pi pledge event.

Piazza’s death, which was nationally publicized, was the result of the freshman falling down the stairs at the fraternity after competing in an “obstacle course.” Piazza was left on a couch in the fraternity’s basement and did not receive treatment until the next morning. Piazza died a few days later.

“There should be no discussion of this case without recognizing the tragic loss of life and resulting devastation for Mr. Piazza’s family and friends,” Attorney General Henry said in a release. “Mr. Piazza was simply seeking to join a social organization for the benefits of community and shared experiences, as so many university students do. Most of those students go on to successful lives and careers — basic expectations following college which Mr. Piazza never had the opportunity to experience.”

Each count of hazing pertains to one of the 14 members of the group rushing at Beta Theta Pi with Piazza. The reckless endangerment charge relates to Piazza specifically. All charges are misdemeanors. Young and Casey will be sentenced on October 1.