Plea deal considered for 4 accused of torturing, killing finch

POTSDAM — A plea deal is being considered for four people, including three Clarkson University students, accused of stealing a zebra finch and allegedly torturing it with loud music and electric shocks before killing the bird with several shots from a blow gun, court officials said.

Matthew D. Riso, 22, Canton and three Clarkson students - John E. Breckels III, Red Hook, Matthew O. Lyndaker, Copenhagen, and Alan D. Grove, Bothell, Wash., all age 21, werecharged in April with petit larceny, a misdemeanor.

The four were scheduled for arraignment Wednesday in Village Court, but it was adjourned to July 15.

St. Lawrence County Assistant District Attorney Rosemary R. Phillips declined comment on the possible plea bargain and defense attorney Timothy J. Alden didn't return a call for comment.