close
close

Two Former Penn State University Students Sentenced for Roles in 2017 Fraternity Hazing Incident

Timothy Piazza, along with his parents Evelyn and Jim, is seen in a photograph taken during his senior night in high school, prior to the events that unfolded during the initiation process of Penn State Beta Theta Pi fraternity in 2017. Photo courtesy of Patrick Carns .

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Attorney General Michelle Henry announced the final two criminal defendants charged in the Timothy Piazza hazing case — Brendan Young and Daniel Casey — were sentenced on Tuesday in Center County Court.

Young, 28, and Casey, 27, each previously pleaded guilty to 14 counts of hazing and a single count of reckless endangerment. On Tuesday, Young and Casey were each sentenced to two to four months in prison (with work release eligibility), followed by three years probation, plus community service.

Beta Theta Pi fraternity leaders at the time, Young and Casey participated in and facilitated a 2017 hazing event where Piazza was a sophomore student pledge. Piazza was found unresponsive the next morning after consuming large quantities of alcohol, and died days later as a result of multiple falls incurred subsequent to his intoxication.

“Our thoughts are with the Piazza family and everyone affected by this tragedy,” Attorney General Henry said. “Nothing can undo the harm Tim suffered seven years ago — nothing can bring Tim back to his family and friends. “With the sentences ordered today, the criminal process reached a conclusion.”

Young and Casey entered open guilty pleas in July, meaning their sentences would be determined by a judge.

Since receiving the case, the Office of Attorney General became forceful advocates for justice. The Office of Attorney General fought vigorously for charges believed to be appropriate for the conduct. Those charges were ultimately dismissed. The Office of Attorney General appealed the suppression of certain evidence supporting the original charges.

The Piazza family was instrumental in the Pennsylvania legislature passing the Timothy Piazza Anti–Hazing Law, which includes a felony-graded offense when serious injury or death results.

Had that statute been in place at the time of the 2017 incident, the defendants could have been subjected to harsher penalties.

The cases were prosecuted by Chief Deputy Attorney General Brian Zarallo and Deputy Attorney General Julia van Leeuwen.

You may also like...