On Tuesday, at the trial of Matthew Naquin, a toxicologist described Max Gruver as a dead man walking. The 19-year-old's alcohol level was six times the legal limit. Dr. Patricia Williams told the court there was no way Max Gruver's body could have survived that level of intoxication.
Wednesday, Naquin learned his fate, being found guilty of negligent homicide. The 21-year-old former LSU student and active with the Phi-Delta-Theta fraternity still face prosecution on obstruction charges over allegations he deleted upwards of 700 items and files from his phone.
Testimony in the case said Naquin was warned two days before Gruver's death that his actions with pledges were extreme and dangerous. According to the Times-Picayne/New Orleans Advocate LSU graduate Phillip Clark testified Naquin was dismissive when advised to tone down behavior with pledges. Clark's testimony stated he'd seen Naquin shoot plastic pellets and belittle pledges at a previous event.
At trial, testimony from Phi-Delta-Theta actives and pledges said Naquin targetted Gruver, was described as overly aggressive, belligerent and ordered Gruver to chug alcohol at least five or six times during a hazing ritual called 'Bible Study'.
Naquin could face up to five years in prison when sentenced October 16. Phi-Delta-Theta is banned from the LSU until 2033 as result of Gruver's death.