A grand jury has charged more than 30 Pi Delta Psi fraternity brothers for the 2013 death of a New York City college student in an alleged hazing incident, according to police. Baruch College freshman Michael Deng, 19, died after he suffered injuries during a ritual in Pennsylvania's Poconos, according to CNN.
The incident occurred in the yard of a rented house as the brothers performed a ritual known as the "glass ceiling," which consists of blindfolded pledges being weighed down with backpacks full of sand, then tackled. After Deng was tackled, he lost consciousness.
Investigating the incident, authorities discovered that more than 20 members of the fraternity were in the home at the time, but waited hours before calling for help, reported PIX 11. Deng was soon declared dead, and an autopsy revealed he suffered blunt force trauma to multiple parts of his body and serious brain injuries.
Upon his death, Baruch College permanently banned the fraternity and the national organization revoked its affiliation with the local chapter.
"Baruch Colony has violated the values and rules of our organization, including our strict no hazing policy. As such, they shall no longer be recognized as having any association with Pi Delta Psi. Additionally, we will also revoke the individual memberships of any member found involved in this incident," the statement read in part.
Five members of the frat were charged with murder, involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault, among other charges. The remaining 32 members were charged with offenses ranging from aggravated assault to criminal conspiracy, according to the Associated Press.
"This is one big step to obtain justice for the family resulting from the tragic and preventable death of Michael," said Doug Fierberg, an attorney representing the victim's family, during an interview.
Fraternity officials did not make a comment about the charges.
