Friday evening, police served a search warrant at a Fresno State fraternity house that’s in hot water. Officers combed through Theta Chi’s home, hoping to seize evidence that would provide answers into the recent death of a freshman pledge.
18-year old Philip Dhanens died last weekend following a heavy night of partying. Alcohol poisoning is suspected of playing a role in the Bakersfield teen’s death. Theta Chi’s chapter recognition has since been suspended.
This was supposed to be a calm weekend for these fraternity and sorority houses. Leaders cancelled all of their social activities out of respect for Dhanens, but that didn’t stop the cops from showing up. About a half dozen Fresno Police cars moved through the iron gates in search of answers.
“We wrote an evidentiary search warrant and served that today and we’re just gathering documents and evidence into that investigation,” said Lt. Mark Salazar of the Fresno Police Dept.
An investigation into the death of Philip Dhanens. The 18-year old frat pledge who reportedly drank two bottles of rum last Friday night. Afterwards someone put him into a room to sober up, but was later found unconscious.
Police detectives and agents with Alcohol Beverage Control have interviewed more than 40 people so far. One of the biggest questions they have is who furnished booze to the minor.
“We’ve identified many of the players involved in this investigation and we’ve made a lot of progress,” said Lt. Salazar.
The police department is sparing no expense examining this tragedy. They are throwing every resource they have at this challenging case.
“We’re looking at everything. Everything that happened that night we’re looking at. We’re being very thorough. We’re assertive with it and so we have a pretty good game plan,” said Lt. Salazar.
The coroner's is still awaiting results of the toxicology tests being run to determine Dhanens official cause of death.