Asian American fraternity on trial for hazing death

Guilty: Clockwise from top left, Kenny Kwan, Charles Lai, Raymond Lam and Sheldon Wong.

ASAM NEWS

A national Asian American fraternity is on trial in the deadly hazing of a pledge in 2013.

Pi Delta Psi is accused of being criminally negligent in the death of Michael Deng who died of brain trauma and the suspected cover up that followed.

“Thirty four, there were 34 members that acted together in the hazing that resulted in the death and cover-up; 29 hours that passed between the time he was brought to the emergency room and his passing,” prosecutor Kimberly Metzger said in opening arguments, according to the Pocono Record. 

“Eighteen, he was 18 when he died. Six pledges (the chapter) has brought to the Poconos since 2010. Four, how many they brought (this time). Two, the hours of delay between (Deng) not getting up and receiving medical attention; and for one dead pledge.”

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The defense attorney, however, pointed the blame at the local chapter.

“Pi Delta Psi has an anti-hazing written policy since 2001,” he said. “The colony didn’t follow the rules. It’s supposed to use the national policy. The pledge educator was over his head and improperly informed.”

New York’s Baruch Colony chapter became inactive, following the death.

WBRE reports several police officers testified in the opening day of the trial.

Fraternity members are also expected to the take the stand. The trial is expected to last one week.

Four of the men who had been charged with murder — Kenny Kwan, 28; Charles Lai, 26; Raymond Lam, 23; and Sheldon Wong, 24 — appeared in court May 14, when they pleaded guilty to reduced charges of voluntary manslaughter and hindering apprehension after reaching an agreement with prosecutors. Sentencing for these four men will be on Dec. 4.

(Views from the Edge contributed to this report.)

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