Judge Delays Frat Hazing Trial

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) – A judge has delayed the trial for five former University of Alabama fraternity members charged with hazing new members who allegedly were forced to stand in ice water until they had frostbite.

District Judge Joel R. Chandler’s office announced the postponement Wednesday, hours before the trial was set to begin. He previously said the case would go ahead as planned, but some defendants sought a delay.

The case was tentatively rescheduled for March 1.

The five are accused of forcing Phi Gamma Delta pledges to stand in ice water and salt, resulting in frost bite and treatment in a hospital burn unit.

A police deposition says one new member also was forced to stick his head in a toilet.

The five were expelled from the fraternity.