Features

Charges may be filed in frat death

The Associated Press
Saturday October 28, 2000

CHICO – Manslaughter charges could be filed against some members of a fraternity where an 18-year-old student died, the Butte County district attorney has announced. 

Adrian Heideman died Oct. 7 during a party where he tried to drink a bottle of brandy. 

The California State University, Chico, freshman from Palo Alto had a blood-alcohol content of .37, more than four times the legal limit for driving. 

District Attorney Mike Ramsey said Thursday that he had only recently been given the results of the police investigation, but added that he was considering charges against members of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. Heideman was a new member of the fraternity. 

Medical reports show that Heideman died of asphyxiation due to alcohol poisoning. 

Ramsey said medical examiners found that the alcohol stopped Heideman’s ability to vomit the alcohol. Instead, it filled his lungs. 

The fraternity could also be charged with manslaughter. If the organization is charged, it could face criminal fines of up to $10,000.