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He's dead, they get off nearly free
November 5, 2003, 9:20 PM EST
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. -- The last member of the Psi Epsilon Chi fraternity charged in the death of a Plattsburgh State student police say was forced to drink pitchers of water through a funnel admitted his part in the crime Wednesday.
Michael West, 21, of Saratoga Springs pleaded guilty to first-degree hazing, a misdemeanor. All 11 fraternity members charged in the March death of Walter Dean Jennings, 18, have admitted forcing either Jennings or fellow pledge Christopher Han to drink excessive amounts of water until they vomited.
Jennings, of Gansevoort, died of water intoxication. An autopsy determined that the water in Jennings' body caused swelling of the brain.
The fraternity members originally faced more than 150 charges in the case, including criminally negligent homicide.
Under terms of the plea agreements, all the members must pay $1,000 or $2,000 to participate in a film warning of the dangers of hazing and alcohol abuse. They are also required to cooperate with the prosecution of Psi Epsilon Chi Inc. and its chairman, Kevin Jones.
Last week Plattsburgh State dismissed 10 students and suspended four for the academic year for their alleged role in the death. Four others were given suspensions they can appeal, and another three were placed on probation.
Psi Epsilon Chi is not recognized by the school because of past alcohol-related trouble.
West will be sentenced Jan. 27. He is expected to receive three years probation.
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