A fourth man was charged in connection with a bizarre incident in which a small bird was allegedly tortured, according to Potsdam police.

The story first surfaced last week, when Clarkson University and village police acknowledged they were investigating allegations that four university students tortured to death a small 'Zebra Finch,' a song bird.

(Read the entire story, in detail, here.)

Three students were named last week. None of them are currently charged with torturing the bird; all are charged with petit larceny for allegedly taking the bird without permission.

The fourth student allegedly involved, Matthew Riso, 22, was charged with petit larceny Friday, according to police.

Riso, according to the statement of another student, was the first to pose the idea of killing the bird.

"Matt Riso then stated I wonder if we lock it in the trunk of a car and turn the subs up if it would kill the bird?" according to the statement of Juan Barbosa.

One of the students charged told police they simply released the bird.

Police have said cruelty to animals charges are possible.