Police say a Duquesne University student who died after falling from a 16th floor window in October jumped from the window.
Marquis Jaylen Brown, 21, of Washington, D.C. was pronounced dead at UPMC Mercy at 11:12 p.m. on Oct. 4.
In a press release Monday, Pittsburgh police said Brown, who had been acting erratically, used a chair to break a window of his on-campus apartment and jumped. Witnesses stated that there was no physical contact nor confrontation between police and Brown in the room.
According to the release, Pittsburgh police were dispatched to Brottier Hall on the Duquesne University campus shortly before 10:30 p.m. to assist Duquesne University Police for a report of a male who had jumped from the 16th floor.
Pittsburgh officers found an unconscious male, later identified as Brown, on the ground outside the building. Pittsburgh EMS transported the him to UPMC Mercy, where he was declared dead.
Pittsburgh Police took over the investigation because it involved the death of a student.
Authorities said 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.
Students called 911 as a result of his behavior, authorities said.
Duquesne University Police and campus security officers responded at 10:05 p.m.
Soon after the officers’ arrival, police said, Brown picked up a chair and broke a window. Witnesses in the room — including two Duquesne University Police officers, a campus security guard and a student resident assistant — stated Brown then jumped out of 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.
The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Brown died of blunt force trauma to the trunk and pelvis.
His manner of death remains undetermined, according to the medical examiner’s office.
Pittsburgh police said their investigation is closed unless new evidence is obtained.
Michael DiVittorio is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Michael at 412-871-2367, mdivittorio@tribweb.com or via Twitter @MikeJdiVittorio.
