As Texas State Univesity students gathered last night for a vigil to mourn the death of a sophomore who died during a fraternity initiation, San Marcos Police say no charges have been filed, and it is too early to determine if the death of Matthew Ellis, 20, was a criminal act, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
Ellis was found dead in an apartment at the Millennium Apartments on Post Road on Monday. He was a pledge in the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity and was found dead by fraternity members. An early toxicology report indicates alcohol may have been involved.
Hundreds of students gathered on the Texas State campus last night for a candlelight vigil in the young man's honor. Many people who were in attendance said they have had it with fraternities and sororities and their antics.
"We are all here to learn, we are all here to better ourselves," one student told News Radio 1200 WOAI. "To have someone die in the process of doing that, with or without alcohol, should be the focal point for what is going on here. Do we want that associated with our university?"
TSU President Dr. Denise Trouth has ordered a halt to all fraternity and sorority activities while university officials determine what changes are needed to the Greek system on campus.
"This is an ongoing investigation, and it is too early to know if criminal charges will be warranted," San Marcos Police Chief Chase Stapp said. "Once all the evidence is known, if we have probably cause to file charges we will work with the District Attorney's office to move forward at that time."
There is no indication that Ellis was the victim of hazing.