The jury has reached a verdict in the murder trial of Chris Archer, fraternity president of Phi Gamma fraternity, Columbus University branch. Miss Archer was accused of the hazing and murder of Milan Jackson on the night of November 22, 1997. The night in question was “Hell Night”, the end of “Hell week”; during which fraternities and sororities decide which of the new freshman pledges will be admitted into their houses by upperclassmen assigning various tasks to the pledges, which they must complete. 18 year old Miss Jackson died as the result of a 26 foot fall during Gammas “Hell Night” party.  Miss Archer had asked Miss Jackson to hang the fraternity flag. At which time Milan took the flag and headed to the clock tower. Before she could hang the flag there she fell to her death.

The prosecution attorneys used persuasive reasoning in their prosecution of Chris Archer stating that Miss Archer knew that Milan was a people pleaser and that she would do anything to be a part of the fraternity. Plus the fact that Miss Archer knew that Miss Jackson was drunk at the time and having previously told her that she would have to do something very special, Miss Archer knew that Miss Jackson would misunderstand and could be hurt or worse.

            The jury found Miss Archer guilty of criminal hazing and involuntary manslaughter. Sentencing is pending.

Submitted by Wendy