PODCAST:
March 3, 2026 ~ Detroit News reporter Beth LeBlanc breaks down the latest in an MSU hazing case after a high court decision clears the way for prosecution, and what this means for the defendants, the university, and Michigan’s anti‑hazing law.
LANSING ~ A court case stemming from the death of a Michigan State University student at a fraternity party will continue after the Michigan Supreme Court declined an appeal by the defendant challenging the charge as unconstitutional.
Ethan Cau is one of two former MSU students and members of the Pi Alpha Phi facing charges under Michigan’s anti-hazing law for the 2021 death of Phat Nguyen. Cau challenged the constitutionality of the law, but the state justices were unconvinced by his attorney’s arguments, sending the case back to Ingham County Circuit Court.
Nguyen was pronounced dead following a “crossover party” where prosecutors alleged new members of Pi Alpha Phi were expected to drink excessive amounts of alcohol in celebration of becoming official members, with one of them being Nguyen. It was determined that he had a blood-alcohol level of .386, with three other members at the party also seeing high blood-alcohol concentrations. This led to Cao, described as a pledge master, and Andrew Nguyen (not related to Phat Nguyen) being charged with one count of hazing causing death and three counts of hazing causing serious injury.
