AG To Announce Update In PSU Hazing Death Case As Appeal Is Filed

Attorney General Josh Shapiro is expected to announce developments in the Penn State hazing death case during a news conference Tuesday, just days after filing an appeal of a Centre County court's March decision to drop the most serious charges against 11 Beta Theta Pi fraternity brothers.

Shapiro said his office has conducted a "comprehensive review" into the death of 19-year-old Timothy Piazza, who died after drinking heavily at a pledge acceptance party then falling at the house in February 2017.

Shapiro's office says the results of that review will be detailed during the Tuesday news conference. Top prosecutors on the case are expected to attend.

Shapiro announced late last week his intention to appeal the decision of Centre County Judge Allen Sinclair, who for the second time dropped involuntary manslaughter charges against the Penn State fraternity brothers. Sinclair issued his ruling on March 28 after a three-day preliminary hearing in connection with the death of the Hunterdon County, N.J. sophomore.

Last summer, Judge Sinclair had dismissed all counts of involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault; the charges were refiled and the case was taken over by Attorney General Josh Shapiro from former Centre County Prosecutor Stacy Parks Miller.

Prosecutors said video evidence from the scene showed Piazza being served 18 drinks in 82 minutes at various drinking stations before taking a fatal fall down the basement stairs. No one called for help until late the next morning, and Piazza died the following day at the hospital.

A grand jury report released in the months following Piazza's death revealed disturbing details into the hours before and after his fall, including that fellow brothers slapped him, poured water on him, and stepped over his limp body.

“In the interest of justice for the Piazza family, our office today filed a notice of appeal with respect to charges against eight of the defendants in this case," said Joe Grace, spokesman for the Attorney General said on April 26.

Grace said the Attorney General's office is committed to "holding responsible individuals accountable for their actions, consistent with the law and the evidence in this case.”

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Patch photo, Timothy Piazza