Although acquitted on the most serious charges, lawyers said Jacob Kulin and Troy Henriksen were convicted of fewer charges, including haze-related cases.
Eight people between the ages of 19 and 23 were charged on April 29 with various charges related to Fortz’s death. 20-year-old Fortz died in March 2021 from an alcoholism claimed by prosecutors to result from a hazy incident at the Delta Beta branch of Pi Kappa Alpha International Fratanity in Bowling Green, Ohio.
Mr. Klin was acquitted for two charges: involuntary manslaughter, reckless murder, and violent assault, but was convicted of obstruction of public affairs, possession, and failure to comply, his lawyer Samuel Shaman said. Ski told CNN.
“Jacob Klin and I are forever grateful for the efforts and dedication of the jury to reach a verdict exempted from Stone Fortz’s death. Mr. Klin supports these serious felony charges. It shouldn’t have been prosecuted as evidence. The same didn’t exist. ”
“Jacob, his family, and lawyers are aware of the tragic losses that Fortz suffered and hope that the conclusions of the criminal procedure will provide a means of closure.”
According to lawyer Eric Long, Henriksen was acquitted of manslaughter, reckless murder, and falsification of evidence, but was found guilty of eight possessions and seven defaults.
“My colleagues, Tyler Walchanowich and I, and the Henriksen family are very grateful to the jury for their efforts in justice in difficult situations for everyone involved,” Long told CNN. Said in a statement. “It’s a shame that Mr. Henriksen was accused by mistake in the first place, but this verdict confirms that the judicial system works when evidence is heard and the truth is sought rather than blame or public opinion. This is a welcome and mere exemption for the most serious allegations. “
In addition to criminal accusations, Fortz’s death also led to an illegal death lawsuit against fraternity, the expulsion of three students and the suspension of 17 people, and the permanent expulsion of fraternity from Bowling Green State University.
Autopsy revealed that Fortz’s blood alcohol level was 0.35, which was more than four times the legal operating limit.
CNN’s Aya Elamroussi contributed to this report.
Source: www.cnn.com
