UPDATE MAY 1, 2025: All 11 Westhill High School students wanted for allegedly participating in the hazing incident surrendered to authorities on Wednesday, reports WSYR.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE:
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — At least 11 high school students must turn themselves into authorities within 48 hours or face felony kidnapping charges following an alleged hazing incident targeting younger members of their school’s lacrosse team.
The alleged events unfolded on the evening of April 24. Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick explained that a group of older students at Westhill High School decided to “haze or play some sort of prank” on younger teammates. Among the five identified victims, one endured a particularly traumatic experience.
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Fitzpatrick revealed details of the case during a news conference on Tuesday, describing the incident as one that “goes way beyond hazing,” reports CNN.
Hazing Victim Allegedly Threatened with Gun and Knife
According to the DA, one victim was led to believe they were being taken to a lacrosse game and later for food at McDonald’s, reports CNY Central. Instead, the student was taken by car to a remote location in Onondaga County, where individuals wearing all black emerged from the woods.
The assailants reportedly placed a pillowcase over the victim’s head, tied him up, and threatened him with what appeared to be a handgun and a knife before placing the younger teammate in the trunk of a car. Although the victim was eventually returned home, he feared being abandoned in the remote area.
The four other hazing victims managed to escape after realizing they would not be going to the game or for food as initially promised.
Suspects Have 48 Hours to Surrender or Face Adult Charges of Kidnapping
The teen suspects, who have not been identified due to their ages, have been given a 48-hour ultimatum to cooperate. Those who turn themselves in will only be ticketed for unlawful imprisonment and tried through the Family Court system, avoiding criminal records. However, those who fail to comply will face adult charges of kidnapping.
In response to the hazing incident, Westhill Superintendent Stephen Dunham announced the cancellation of the remainder of the boys’ lacrosse season as part of an effort to address the program’s culture, reports Local Syr.
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“Let me be clear: the majority of the varsity boys lacrosse team was NOT involved in the incident from last week, nor were they aware of it ahead of time,” Dunham said in a statement. “Some may argue that all student-athletes shouldn’t be punished for the actions of a few. While I understand that perspective, we must address the culture of the program, and the most appropriate way to do that is with a reset.”
