Judge Rejects Torture Charge in Student Death

A judge reviewing the death of a Chico State University student has ruled that several fraternity members can be tried on a charge of hazing. But Butte County Superior Court Judge Robert Glusman said Friday he did not believe the evidence warranted adding a torture charge.

Matthew Carrington, 21, a Chico State student, died of medical complications Feb. 2 after allegedly being ordered to drink large amounts of water as part of a fraternity initiation rite.

Seven fraternity members are charged with hazing, a misdemeanor. Four of them are also charged with involuntary manslaughter, which carries a sentence of up to four years in prison. The torture charge would have carried a potential sentence of life in prison.