11 a.m. update - Thrasher: Charges 'first step in seeking justice' after pledge's death

10:45 a.m. update:

FSU President John Thrasher says the charges represent the first step in seeking justice for Andrew Coffey. Read his full statement below:

“These arrest warrants strengthen our resolve to address the issue of responsible student behavior at Florida State University for the benefit, safety and well-being of our students and the community. Florida State does not tolerate hazing, and we are committed to continuing to combat all unsafe and dangerous practices and behaviors on our campus.

The indefinite suspension of Greek Life activities remains in place, and we continue to mourn Andrew Coffey’s loss. As we direct our efforts toward fostering a safer, healthier environment for all of our students, we also acknowledge the Coffey family’s terrible loss. We understand and share the concerns the Coffeys expressed to the grand jury in December about student indifference, reckless conduct and irresponsibility.

These arrests are the first step in seeking justice for Andrew and his loved ones, and they will inform us on where we need to place our focus as we proceed. Vice President Amy Hecht continues to work with our student groups in an effort to prevent further tragedy."

"The grand juries have been very helpful to our work, and we appreciate the State Attorney’s efforts. Clearly, he is taking this matter just as seriously as we are. We hope all members and alumni of our Greek organizations are paying attention.”

PARENTS WEEKEND TRAGEDY:

Campbell 'stunned' by TPD announcement

Thrasher: No timetable to resume Greek life after frat death

Our opinion: A prudent pause for Greek life

Grand jury report into death of Andrew Coffey skewers FSU's fraternity culture

Defense attorneys decry grand jury procedure, recommendations

'He died in a room full of people': Read the grand jury report into Andrew Coffey's death

For State Attorney Jack Campbell, FSU pledge's death has echoes of the past

Suspended FSU fraternity has faced sanctions before

Tuesday night story

Nine people are facing hazing charges in connection with the November death of Florida State fraternity pledge Andrew Coffey.

Announced late Tuesday night in an email from the Tallahassee Police Department, arrest warrants were signed for Luke E. Kluttz, 22, Clayton M. Muehlstein, 22, Brett A. Birmingham, 20, Conner R. Ravelo, Christopher M. Hamlin, 21, Anthony Petagine, 20, Anthony Oppenheimer, 21, John B. Ray, 21 and Kyle J. Bauer, 21.

Kluttz, Muehlstein, Petagine, Oppenheimer and Ray all held leadership positions in the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity Coffey was trying to join.

They face charges of hazing causing injury or death.

TPD Chief Michael DeLeo released a brief, prepared statement along with the announcement.

"This collaborative investigation was critical to finding answers for Andrew Coffey's family and our community," DeLeo said. "Hopefully this investigation and its outcome will prevent another tragedy from occurring."

The decision to file charges came after two grand juries which both left the decision in the hands of State Attorney Jack Campbell.

At 3:27 p.m. Tuesday State Attorney Jack Campbell sent an email to eight defense attorneys informing them he intended to file charges against their clients within the next 24 hours. Campbell did not say what those charges would be but said he wanted to give them advance warning.

“The media has extensively requested notice of these decisions as have you. I am trying to strike a balance,” Campbell wrote. “If I file I will immediately notify you, likely first thing in the morning, via this email and you will be able to have your client surrender and arrange bond before any cameras arrive at the jail. I will plan to notify the media that afternoon but will not lie if I get a specific question after filing so if it leaks otherwise I am sorry and have tried to avoid that.”

Campbell did not return requests for comment Tuesday night.

Coffey of Pompano Beach died of alcohol poisoning – his blood alcohol level was .447, more than five times the legal limit to drive – during a booze-fueled fraternity party called “Big Brother Night” when older members get acquainted with pledges.

Shortly after Coffey’s death, FSU suspended Greek life and Pi Kappa Phi’s national office in Charlotte closed its FSU chapter.

None of the students facing charges have yet been booked into the Leon County jail, according to court records.