Kappa Alpha Psi frat brothers charged with involuntary manslaughter in student's hazing death

Jet, March 7, 1994

Seven fraternity brothers have been charged with involuntary manslaughter in the hazing death of a Southeast Missouri State University student.

Michael Davis, 25, died recently of blunt trauma to the head. Emergency crews were called to Davis' apartment by a friend who said he had stopped breathing.

Rescuers were told that Davis was hurt in a sandlot football game the night before, police said.

Police determined, however, that Davis was beaten as part of fraternity hazing.

Charged with involuntary manslaughter are Kappa Alpha Psi members Carlos Turner, 19; Mikel Giles, 22; Isaac Sims III, 22; Cedric Murphy, 22; Vincent L. King, 20; Michael Williams, 19; and Laimmoire Taylor, 22.

A verdict had not been handed down at Jet press time. However, the Southeast Missouri State students face up to seven years in prison and $5,000 fines if convicted.

Additional misdemeanor charges of hazing were filed against the frat brothers after it was learned that five other people had been beaten during fraternity activities, police said. None required hospitalization.