Pennsylvania

Fraternity Challenges Evidence in Death of Blindfolded, Tackled Student

Three former fraternity brothers and the group itself are challenging evidence in the upcoming criminal trial they'll face in a pledge's death during a hazing ritual in the eastern Pennsylvania mountains.

The Pocono Record reports a Monroe County judge held a hearing Monday on the challenges filed by the former Baruch College fraternity brothers Sheldon Won, Raymond Lam and Kenny Kwan -- and the Pi Delta Psi fraternity, itself.

They want the judge to throw out some statements made to police and other evidence. The judge didn't immediately rule.

They defendants are charged with third-degree murder in the 2013 death of 18-year-old Chun "Michael'' Deng.

Police contend they blindfolded Deng, forced him to wear a heavy backpack and repeatedly tackled him during a hazing ritual known as the glass ceiling.

Investigators said fraternity members tried to cover up Deng's death as the student lay dying in their rented house in the Pocono Mountains.

During the arraignments, defense lawyers called Deng's death a tragedy but said their clients didn't intend to kill him, characterizing it as a fraternity prank gone horribly wrong.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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