PITTSBURGH, PA (Feb. 4, 2019) -- On Oct. 4, 2018 at approximately 10:24 p.m., Pittsburgh Bureau of Police officers were dispatched to Brottier Hall on the 700 block of Forbes Avenue to assist Duquesne University Police for a report of a male who had jumped from the 16th floor.
PBP officers observed an unconscious male on the ground outside the building. Pittsburgh EMS transported the male to UPMC Mercy. He was pronounced dead at the hospital at 11:12 p.m. The victim was identified as Duquesne University student Marquis Jaylen Brown, 21, of Washington, D.C.
Pittsburgh Police took over the investigation because it involved the death of a student. According to the investigation:
Brown visited a friend’s off-campus apartment on the night of his death. He returned to his dorm/apartment on the 16th floor of Brottier Hall around 10 p.m. According to surveillance video and multiple witness statements, Brown acted erratically in the elevator, in the 16th floor dorm hallway, and in his dorm room. As a result of his behavior, students called 911.
Duquesne University Police and campus security officers responded at 10:05 p.m. The officers entered Brown’s apartment minutes later and spoke to him and his roommate. The initial call was for a possible fight between roommates, but officers determined that there was no fight, and that the roommate was trying to calm Brown.
Soon after the officers’ arrival, Brown picked up a chair and broke a window. Eye witnesses in the room -- including two Duquesne University Police officers, a campus security guard and a student Resident Assistant -- stated that Brown then jumped out the window. Brown’s roommate, who was in another room, was an audible witness.
Duquesne University Police called EMS and went outsider to render aid. Pittsburgh Police were then called to the scene.
Drug testing shows that Brown had marijuana in his system.
Witnesses stated that there was no physical contact or confrontation between police and Brown in the room.
The case is closed pending any additional evidence.
