DA To Refile Manslaughter Charges In Penn State Frat House Death

BELLEFONTE, PA — A Centre County judge has dropped the most serious charges against 18 Penn State fraternity brothers accused in the hazing death of a student in February. Charges of involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault were dropped, but other charges of hazing and furnishing alcohol to minors against those members will stand.

Centre County District Attorney Stacy Parks Miller, in a statement, called the ruling "disappointing, unexpected and in our view, not supported by the evidence."

She said the commonwealth will be refiling the involuntary manslaughter charges and will be reviewing the other charges for the same consideration. "The path to justice is long and sometimes vexing, but we are unwavering in our commitment to the Piazza’s and this case," Miller said.

According to Miller's statement, the outcome was read so quickly by District Judge Allen Sinclair that even the commonwealth is unable to determine the exact breakdown of his ruling.

But four of the defendants have been dropped from the case altogether. The remaining 12 will face charges of reckless endangerment, furnishing alcohol to minors and hazing. Two had waived their preliminary hearing.

A total of 18 Beta Theta Pi fraternity brothers were charged in connection with Timothy Piazza's death in February; two waived their preliminary hearing. Eight fraternity brothers faced manslaughter charges. Others were charged with aggravated assault, tampering with evidence and related charges. (See who's charged.)

Piazza, a sophomore from New Jersey, took a fatal fall after becoming heavily intoxicated at the party on Feb. 2. No one called for help until late the next morning, and Piazza died Feb. 4.

The judge's decision followed a seven-day preliminary hearing process that became emotional and heated at times.

The prosecution argued the fraternity brothers pressured Piazza to drink to dangerous levels, then did not summon the proper care for him even though they knew he was seriously injured after falling during the party. Prosecutors also argued the fraternity brothers knowingly concealed evidence that would paint them in a negative light in the aftermath of Piazza's death.

Click here for a timeline of the case.

Editor's note: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated 18 brothers are going to trial. Four have been dismissed from the case.