Ohio University Sigma Pi members invented a rare way to kill someone in a hazing incident. A lawsuit alleges that members used pledges to cheat academically, to deprive them of sleep, to make them drink near-lethal levels of alcohol, and to feed them nitrous oxide. Tragically, the last killed Collin Wiant. Tara Morgan of ABC-TV reports
Edith Davis speaks at a memorial service in 1994 for her son, Michael Davis, with her son, Boyd Davis Jr., and daughters, Marisa Hilliard and Candace Davis, at her side. The service was held in Academic Auditorium at Southeast Missouri State University.
Southeast Missourian file
Michael Davis was punched, slapped, slammed and caned for days before he died 25 years ago today, the victim of a brutal fraternity hazing ritual at Southeast Missouri State University.
The deadly attack had far reaching consequences. The incident drew national media coverage and focused the spotlight on the culture of hazing on college campuses.
More than a dozen men associated with Kappa Alpha Psi, a traditionally black fraternity, were prosecuted in connection with the hazing, including seven who were charged with involuntary manslaughter. Sentences ranged from probation to incarceration.
The fraternity was banned from Southeast. The Missouri Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the state’s anti-hazing law when one of the fraternity members appealed his conviction.
The case prompted later legislative changes elevating serious hazing incidents to felonies.
Michael Davis