[KeyTv] 3 plead no contest in UT hazing death

Three University of Texas fraternity members entered pleas of no contest in relation to the hazing death of one of their frat brothers Tuesday.

Benny Chan, 24, Andrew Nguyen, 22, and Kamal Pulukuri, 23, accepted a plea deal to charges they caused Phantha "Jack" Phoummarath’s death.

Phoummarath, 18, died of acute alcohol poisoning on Dec. 10, 2005. His family spoke in Houston after about the plea deals.

"The plea deal is going to give a message or send a message to other parents that this is what their sons could potentially be signing up for. And so if we can prevent other deaths in this process, then I think we've accomplished what we wanted to,” Phoummarath’s sister Marion said.

At UT, student reaction was mixed.

"I believe that this is an issue that should be taken a little more seriously,” Joy Martindale said.

"I think it's a good penalty," UT sophomore Benjamin Nichols said.

Drug and alcohol counselors feel it will help in the long run.

"I have worked with several members of that fraternity ever since that incident and they were very, very deeply affected by it," said Chuck Roper, UT coordinator for Alcohol and Drug Education.

As part of the plea deal, the national chapter has to show written proof they have revoked the UT chapter charter. The three men have to acknowledge wrongdoing and apologize to the victim's family and participate in producing educational video focused on risks involved with hazing.

The plea deal stems from a lengthy 12 month investigation into Phoummarath’s death.

The Lamda Phi Epsilon Zeta chapter at UT will have to reapply for its charter. It won't be eligible to do that until
2011.

Link to report