LSU Fraternity Hazing Trial Begins Today
A former LSU fraternity member is set to go on trial today. Matthew Naquin is facing felony charges in the death of Max Gruver. Gruver, a pledge of Phi Delta Theta fraternity in 2017, is believed to have died from circumstances surrounding hazing activities at the LSU chapter of the fraternity.
Legal experts say the case will likely be brought this way. Attorneys for Naquin will attempt to paint Gruver as a student who regularly used and abused alcohol and drugs. Attorneys for Gruver will attempt to show that Naquin forced the use of those substances as part of the initiation process of the fraternity.
However, the bottom line in the case that the judge will have to determine, based on the evidence presented, did Naquin's actions cause the death of Gruver.
During the trial, several former members of the fraternity are expected to be called as witnesses. Attorney's on both sides of the case will likely question those who take the stand on exactly what they saw and heard the night of Gruver's death and in the days leading up to the tragic incident.
There are several other members of the LSU Chapter, now banned from the LSU campus, that have been charged in connection with Max Gruver's death. However, only Matthew Naquin is facing felony charges. If convicted he could be facing up to five years in prison.
Naquin has also been charged with obstruction of justice in the case after it was disclosed that he deleted some 700 or more text messages and photos from his phone that could have had a bearing on the case.
Jury selection in the trial begins this morning in Baton Rouge.