Beta Theta Pi fraternity sanctioned for alcohol violations leading to student death

According to a university press release, the Dean of Students office found that members of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity violated the university alcohol policy by purchasing and distributing alcohol Sept. 15, the night freshman Bradley Jameson fell 12 feet from a tree in the backyard of the Beta house and died.

Sanctions imposed against the fraternity include probation through December 2008, 400 hours of community service and social probation through the 2007-08 school year. The chapter must also participate in programs concerning alcohol education and ethical development education.

In addition, the fraternity has the option of paying a $1,000 fine or coordinating a campuswide alcohol education program.

During the investigation, the office also determined the fraternity provided a common source of alcohol, lacked organizational control of alcohol and used chapter funds for alcohol purchase, all violations of the alcohol policy.

Beta Theta Pi was also charged with disregard of university authority because they misled university officials by denying the presence of alcohol at the chapter house and withheld information concerning the investigation, the press release said.

Coroner: Lockhart died from gunshot to head

According to the Associated Press, Lafayette county coroner Lonnie Weaver said Lockhart died from a gunshot wound to the head. He added that there were no other wounds on his body. The autopsy was performed Sunday.

Check The Daily Mississippian Newsblog for updates as they become available and pick up Monday's copy of The DM for the full story.

UM student identified as Rodney Lockhart

The victim of today's shooting has been identified as Rodney Lockhart. According to a University press release, Lockhart, 20, was a junior psychology major and a member of the Ole Miss track team. He was from Vaiden, Miss.

"We are deeply saddened by Rodney's death," said UM Head Track Coach Joe Walker in the news release. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Rodney's family and friends."

UM student found dead, homicide being investigated

According to a news release from the University Police Dept., officers from the Oxford Police Dept. and a team from the Baptist Memorial Hospital Ambulance Service were dispatched to Taylor Pointe Apartments on Anderson Road Saturday morning just after 10 a.m. in response to a 911 call concerning an unresponsive person. The victim was found to be shot and county coroner Lonnie Weaver pronounced the victim dead on the scene.

Upon further investigation, The Daily Mississippian has learned the victim is an Ole Miss student. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and OPD and are investigating the homicide, and no further information is being released by OPD at this time.