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Sunday, September 7, 2014

CSU Northridge investigation points to fraternity hazing in death of 19 year old student

CSU Northridge President Dianne F. Harrison has announced that on investigation into the death of student Armando Villa, "it is clear" that Pi Kappa Phi members "engaged in hazing."

The fraternity was given a choice between "voluntary permanent withdrawal of recognition" or to proceed to a formal hearing of the allegations, while facing permanent removal. 

The fraternity "took the deal," voting to withdraw from the University and disband the CSUN chapter. 

From a photo in the LA Times
 (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
As reported here previously, Villa died from exposure and dehydration after being found barefoot and alone in the harsh, Angeles National Forest. 

Villa was participating in a wilderness survival initiation that was described by the L.A. Times as brutal and sadistic. Villa's parents called it a "barbaric ritual."

Disciplinary action by the University against the individual students involved will wait for and depend on the conclusion of the Sheriff's criminal investigation.