The Delta Mu Chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (PIKE) is indefinitely suspended following the arrest of one of its potential members.
Devin Nottis, 19, of Pascagoula, was arrested Oct. 8 on charges of grand larceny in connection with the Oct. 7 break-in at the Hattiesburg Zoo, said Hattiesburg police spokesman Lt. Jon Traxler. The break-in lead to the death of two flamingos at the facility. The student has also been placed on suspension by the university, according to Southern Miss Now.
The executive director of the organization that runs the Hattiesburg Zoo says a female bird was taken at 1:08 a.m. Tuesday and found later that morning, several miles away. Rick Taylor says it was returned to the zoo and had to be euthanized because of its injuries, said Associated Press.
Taylor said a second flamingo was injured in the incident and died Wednesday. He said zoo officials believe the male flamingo died from injuries sustained while defending his mate during the attack, according to AP.
Nottis is currently prohibited from campus for any reason other than judicial proceedings with the Dean of Students Office, and is subject to arrest if found in violation of this order. He is being held on a $17,300 bond.
The chapter has been ordered to cease and desist all activities until further notice by the university. The national office of the fraternity has placed the chapter on administrative suspension, requiring it cease operations for 30 days while executive officers determine its future, said Southern Miss Now.
“The University is taking swift and appropriate action in response to this incident,” said Southern Miss Vice President for Student Affairs Joe Paul. “This is a terrible and heinous act that has occurred, and inconsistent with the values of our institution.”
Nottis made a short rap video on Snap Chat bragging about his events, saying he took the flamingo back to the house.
Members of the Delta Mu chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha are not permitted to give any statements until the investigation has concluded.
