Twenty-two Northern Illinois University students face arrest in the hazing death of fellow student David Bogenberger. The 19 year old was found dead in a bed at the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity house November 2nd.
Toxicology reports show Bogenberger’s blood alcohol content was five times the legal limit: he died of cardiac arrhythmia, triggered by alcohol.
Five felony and 17 misdemeanor arrest warrants have been issued for members of the fraternity for hosting an unsanctioned party: police say pledges were given large quantities of alcohol as part of an initiation process. That’s a violation of Illinois’ anti-hazing law. Bogenberger’s parents released a statement saying they do not want revenge, but want change, saying “alcohol-related hazing and initiation must end.”
NIU to sanction Pikes
Northern Illinois University has announced pending judicial charges for the NIU chapter of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and 31 individual students from the fraternity who are facing charges of violating NIU's Student Code of Conduct stemming from Bogenberger’s death.
The university issued a news release detailing the school-issued charges and background on the incident. On Friday, Dec. 7, the Office of Community Standards & Student Conduct issued charges alleging that the fraternity was responsible for an off-campus hazing incident. Pi Kappa Alpha has received a temporary sanction removing them as a recognized student organization. The university is moving forward with organizational sanctions which may impact their permanent status as a recognized student organization.
