22 fraternity members are being charged in the case of the death of a 19-year old freshman.  (WJBC file photo)

DEKALB, Ill. - Defense attorneys say the leaders of a Northern Illinois University fraternity aren't responsible for the death of a student during an alleged hazing.

Five officers of Pi Kappa Alpha appeared in DeKalb County Court on Friday to face felony hazing charges in the November alcohol-related death of 19-year-old freshman David Bogenberger. Seventeen other fraternity members are charged with misdemeanor hazing.

Attorney John Donahue, representing fraternity president Alex Jandick, says his client regrets Bogenberger's death. Attorneys for the other students appearing in court said Bogenberger's death was a tragedy, not a crime. None entered formal pleas.