Fresno Man Faces Charges in Hazing

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By ABC30

Friday, May 22, 2009

Fresno, Calif. 22-year old Russell Taylor along with three others college students were taken into custody Thursday. Taylor and another student are charged with misdemeanor hazing. The two others are charged with felony hazing causing death.

All four students face a misdemeanor charge of permitting a minor to consume alcohol. Police said they took part in a hazing ritual that killed a Texas freshman.

Detectives said Carson Starkey died in December of last year (2008) of alcohol poisoning after attending a Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity pledging party.

San Luis Obispo Police Chief Deborah Linden: "This investigation has exposed a ritual that was as disturbing as it was deadly. One in which young men were required to drink extreme amounts of alcohol in a very short period of time and where steps were taken to protect the furniture and floor from vomit that the organizers knew would result."

The four men surrendered to police after warrants were issued for their arrest. They posted bail and were freed Thursday from the San Luis Obispo County Jail.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon has been suspended indefinitely from Cal Poly. University officials said the fraternity may not return to the campus.