Judge Rejects Torture Charge in Student Death
- Share via
A judge reviewing the death of a Chico State University student has ruled that several fraternity members can be tried on a charge of hazing. But Butte County Superior Court Judge Robert Glusman said Friday he did not believe the evidence warranted adding a torture charge.
Matthew Carrington, 21, a Chico State student, died of medical complications Feb. 2 after allegedly being ordered to drink large amounts of water as part of a fraternity initiation rite.
Seven fraternity members are charged with hazing, a misdemeanor. Four of them are also charged with involuntary manslaughter, which carries a sentence of up to four years in prison. The torture charge would have carried a potential sentence of life in prison.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
