MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — According to Morgantown police, Jordon Hankins, of Heights Town, NJ, has turned himself in after being charged with hazing and conspiracy following the death of WVU student Nolan Burch. The 19-year-old died after Kappa Sigma fraternity initiation event in November.
Morgantown police accused Hankins of being the ‘Grand Master’ for pledges for a big/little ceremony for pledges and will be charged with hazing and conspiracy.
Hankins, who was taken in on $10,000 bond, is the second arrest police have made in the case.
Richard William Schwartz, 20 of Williamsville, NY, turned himself into authorities Wednesday on charges of hazing and conspiracy.
In the criminal complaint, Schwartz is accused of giving Burch a bottle of liquor the night of the fraternity initiation.
Burch ended up unconscious and was taken to the hospital with a 0.493 blood alcohol level which is about 6 times the legal limit for driving in the state of West Virginia.
Burch died as a result of acute ethanol intoxication.
Burch and Schwartz are from the same hometown in New York. Schwartz was assigned to Burch as his fraternity big brother.
Schwartz is free on a $10,000 bond.
Hankins, according to the criminal complaint, orchestrated blindfolding, escorting, and presenting pledges to their big brothers.
Police would not confirm if additional arrest are possible.