A grand jury has announced that they have found sufficient evidence to support criminal charges in the case of a Florida State University fraternity pledge who died after an off-campus party that involved heavy drinking and hired strippers.
Twenty-year-old Andrew Coffey allegedly drank a bottle of Wild Turkey 101 bourbon during the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity "Big Brother Night" reveal party. Witnesses saw him passed out on a futon on the porch of the house.
Medical Examiner Lisa Flannagan believes that, at the time, his alcohol level was nearly seven times the legal limit to drive.
The Pompano Beach High School 2015 grad was pronounced dead Nov. 3.
The grand jurors learned Coffey and other pledges were encouraged to drink to extreme excess and when Coffey was unresponsive the pledges called fraternity members before calling 911.
"Actions have consequences, and it is time that they learn this," the grand jurors wrote. "Their behavior during the events in question demonstrates a recklessness and lack of integrity that reflect badly on themselves, their fraternity and their university."
The investigation continues.
Specific charging will be decided upon by the State Attorney or a future grand jury. Another grand jury will convene in January.