TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Just released today, a shocking grand jury report about the investigation into the death of an FSU student last month.
Andrew Coffey was found dead at an off-campus party as a pledge with the fraternity Pi Kappa Phi. The grand jury didn't file an indictment, but it did find enough evidence to move the investigation forward.
The grand jury is basically trying to determine if the fraternity is partially responsible for Coffey's death.
The grand jury claims the fraternity hasn't fully cooperated with law enforcement as part of this investigation, as more than half of the brothers refused to be interviewed.
It's a tragic case of what appears to be alcohol abuse and collective neglect.
The motto of Pi Kappa Phi is "nothing shall ever tear us asunder." Those words have been tested since the death of pledge Andrew Coffey.
Four brothers and 38 pledges were called to a grand jury hearing this week. On Tuesday, the jurors indicated they found evidence to support criminal charges.
"I think the presentment has some recommendations as for how the university and our community goes forward, as well as some factual determinations that help explain what happened to Andrew Coffey," said State attorney Jack Campbell.
A 17-page report reveals the 20-year-old apparently drank a bottle of bourbon as part of a so-called family tradition at the fraternity party.
The next morning, a pledge found Coffey with no pulse. Phone records show he called and texted five other members before calling 911.
It's information the state attorney is reviewing.
"Based on the charges, either our office will file information if we believe them to be appropriate, or another grand jury will be coming in January, which again, we can ask that grand jury if it wants to continue," said Campbell.
Autopsy results show Coffey's blood alcohol level was nearly seven times the legal limit for driving.
In its report, the grand jury says the fraternity was more concerned about getting in trouble than it was about trying to save Coffey's life.
Coffey's family wrote a letter after learning more about what happened. In part, they said, "even as we are heartbroken, we are also troubled, troubled that our son died alone in a room full of people."
The grand jury laid out seven recommendations to help Florida State address issues with hazing, Greek life and more.
They include "refresher trainings about hazing and binge-drinking" as well as forming committees that include law enforcement, university administrators and Greek life.
State attorney Jack Campbell says it's still too early to determine when charges will be filed, if any.
"I think the presentment has some recommendations as for how the university and our community goes forward, as well as some factual determinations that help explain what happened to Andrew Coffey," said Campbell.
You'll find the full report here.
