All closing arguments have been made for the preliminary hearing of Penn State fraternity members charged in the hazing death of Timothy Piazza. Judge Allen Sinclair will announce Friday whether the case will go to trial.
Centre County District Attorney Stacy Parks Miller said each defendant played a role in causing the death of Timothy Piazza. She said the fraternity and its members orchestrated the hazing and were fully aware of the fatal consequences.
“This wasn’t an ordinary drinking party that was a little out of control," Parks Miller said. "It was pre-planned and it was pre-planned at a very dangerous level. That’s the commonwealth’s case.”
Defense attorneys shared similar strategies in closing arguments. Many said their clients had little participation during bid acceptance night. They said drinking during the social part of the evening was voluntary and the deadly outcome was unforeseeable.
The preliminary hearing took seven days over the span of three months. After the vigorous questioning of Detective David Scicchitano, a contempt hearing for Tim Bream and many heated arguments, the decision will be made on Friday morning.
