No Charges in Death of Penn State-Altoona Student

WTXF - No criminal charges will be filed in the death of Penn State-Altoona student Marquise Braham, Attorney General Kathleen Kane announced Tuesday. A grand jury found that there was no evidence to support criminal charges.

The 18-year-old Braham committed suicide in March 2014 by jumping from a building. The investigation was meant to determine whether any hazing Braham had been subjected to while pledging a fraternity had contributed to his death. The grand jury found no evidence of any such link.

"As the grand jury makes very clear in its report, it is imperative that we take steps to protect young college students who are experiencing a vulnerable stage in their lives," Attorney General Kane said in a statement. "We must do more to prevent these students from falling victim to dangerous situations when many are acclimating to being on their own for the first time."

The grand jury heard from 11 witnesses, and received summaries of interviews with seven more. They also reviewed two suicide notes left by Braham. The grand jury also found that hazing at the fraternity, Phi Sigma Kappa, was a "fraternity-wide problem."

Braham's father has also filed a civil suit against both the university and fraternity.