Mixed verdict reached in Penn State frat-fall death case

BELLEFONTE, Pa. (AP) - The former manager of a Penn State fraternity where a pledge fell during a night of hazing and drinking and later died has been convicted of hindering apprehension but acquitted of evidence tampering and obstruction.

The Centre Daily Times reported a jury deliberated about five hours before issuing the verdict Thursday against 22-year-old Braxton Becker, of Niskayuna, New York.

It was the first criminal trial to result from the February 2017 death of 19-year-old Tim Piazza, of Lebanon, New Jersey.

Piazza consumed a large quantity of alcohol the night of a pledge bid acceptance ceremony at the Beta Theta Pi house. His death led to passage of a stricter state anti-hazing law.

Becker was accused of deleting security camera footage to thwart investigators. His lawyer declined to comment.