Ex-NIU Fraternity Members Avoid Prison In Hazing Case

There will be no jail time for 22 former Northern Illinois University fraternity members associated with an unsanctioned party where a pledge died.

David Bogenberger looked forward to getting a business degree from NIU. But on November 2, 2012 he died during an unsanctioned fraternity party at the Pi Kappa Alpha house. During the party, fraternity members forced pledges to drink large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time. A toxicology report said the 19-year-old Bogenberger’s blood-alcohol content was 0.351%.

David’s mother addressed the defendants in court.

“22 men pledging to be David's brothers for life ridiculed, tormented, poisoned and killed him”, said Ruther Bogenberger. “Worse even than all these things, they consciously denied him lifesaving medical help. The human decency that most of us would render to a sick animal, these self-proclaimed 'brothers' would not even extend to a young man they pledge a lifelong brotherhood to.”

The men must complete 100 hours of community service, and pay fines ranging from $500 to $1,000 each. The smaller fines are for 17 defendents who faced misdemeanor charges.