Final Sentencing in the Timothy Piazza Hazing Case 

Timothy M. Burke, Fraternal Law Partners, tburke@manleyburke.com

Some seven years after the hazing-related death of Timothy Piazza, Brendan Young and Daniel Casey, the President and Vice President, respectively, of Penn State’s Beta Theta Pi Chapter where Piazza died, were the last two defendants to be criminally convicted and sentenced for actions related to Piazza’s death. Both Young and Casey were sentenced to serve two to four months in jail, followed by three years of probation and community service. They will be eligible for work release during their incarceration.

Their convictions mark the end of a prolonged legal process in which more than a dozen fraternity members pled guilty to hazing and alcohol violations stemming from the events of February 2017.

Timothy Piazza’s death became the impetus that prompted the Pennsylvania state legislature to significantly strengthen criminal penalties for hazing, ensuring harsher consequences for such reckless behavior in the future.

In the aftermath, Piazza’s family has been unwavering in their efforts to honor his memory and advocate for change. Speaking at the sentencing, Timothy’s mother, Evelyn Piazza, reflected on the irreversible impact of her son’s death. Quoted in the Daily Collegian article published on October 1, 2024, she commented that although the sentencing provided some justice, “there’s no such thing as closure.” She added:           

I was happy being a tax accountant and having a family of four…You never in a million years think a “friend” will actually intentionally hurt them in the name of brotherhood and then not value their life and refuse to get them medical attention. Granted, Brendan Young and Daniel Casey did not wake up the morning of February 2, 2016 thinking, “let’s kill someone today,” but they did.[1]

The tragedy reverberated beyond the Piazza family, leaving an enduring mark on Beta Theta Pi as a national organization. Jeff Rundle, Chief Executive Officer and General Counsel of Beta Theta Pi, expressed the fraternity’s support for the court’s decision while acknowledging the profound harm caused. In his statement, Rundle underscored the failure of those involved:

While we cannot speak to the appropriate punishment for Brendan Young and Daniel Casey, the fraternity has consistently advocated for those involved to be held fully accountable…. Tim’s death has left an indelible scar on our history. We will forever carry the burden that he suffered at the hands of those who bore Beta Theta Pi…. These men were once brothers who took an oath to protect each other, and to act in each other’s best interest.[2] Their failure is a reminder to all of us of the deadly consequences of hazing, carelessness, and indifference.[3]

[1] Louise Bennett, Two Former Fraternity Leaders Sentenced in Timothy Piazza Death, Daily Collegian (Oct. 1, 2024).

[2] Id.

[3] Id.