New York Student Killed in Fraternity Ritual's Death Labeled as Homicide

Police have labeled the death of a New York City college student killed during a fraternity rite of passage as a homicide.

A Pennsylvania coroner confirmed to the Associated Press on Friday that Baruch College freshman Chun "Michael" Deng was, in fact, victim of a homicide.

Officials from the Luzerne County coroner's office said that police were now handing the case of the Dec. 8 death.

Deng reportedly died from a severe brain injury after he participated in a ritual performed with three other fraternity hopefuls.

The four pledges, blindfolded and carrying backpacks filled with 20 pounds of sand apiece, were put in a house in Tunkhannock Township, Pa. with around 30 active members of the fraternity. Each had to navigate through the room to reach a certain fraternity brother, without getting grabbed by others.

During the scuffle, Deng got pushed to the ground, fell and hit his head, according to the Pocono Mountain Regional Police report.

Deng's fraternity brothers then changed his clothing and performed Internet searches on his condition before driving him to a medical facility nearby. Deng died the following day.

According to the affidavit, one of the brothers reportedly told members back at the house to get rid of "all fraternity memorabilia and items."

Police stated they found hallucinogenic mushrooms and what looked like marijuana at the house in the Poconos.

David Christine, Monroe County's District Attorney, said he will submit files for criminal charges.