The Associated Press | Posted: Friday, November 28, 2008 12:00 am
LOGAN, Utah - Police investigators are working to obtain photographs of a Utah State University student taken the night before he died.
Logan police are investigating Michael Starks' death as a hazing incident related to a Sigma Nu fraternity initiation ceremony. Starks, 18, was found unconscious at the fraternity house Nov. 14.
Logan Chief Russ Roper said police became aware of the pictures during their questioning more than 22 people. Roper said one person has pictures of Starks taken at an event where he allegedly consumed large amounts of alcohol.
Roper said the individual has obtained an attorney and has agreed to provide police with only some pictures of the initiation events. Roper believes other pictures may exist and said police would like to see them.
We know that this (initiation) event, in its initial stages, was probably a lot of fun and that it was probably documented. We know that there were cell phone pictures and maybe even others," he said.
Roper said police have also identified a 19-year-old woman as the person who allegedly provided alcohol for the initiation event at a Logan home. Police haven't determined if the woman is a member of the Greek community at USU.
Members of Chi Omega sorority are believed to have been involved with the Sigma Nu initiation event.
The university has indefinitely suspected both Sigma Nu and Chi Omega from campus.
Roper said investigators will turn over their findings to the Cache County Attorney once an official cause of death is determined by the state medical examiner.
Police say Starks' blood alcohol content was higher than 0.35 the day he died, more than four times the legal limit to drive an automobile.