Eleven high school lacrosse players from Westhill High School in Syracuse, New York, have surrendered to authorities after being accused of a cruel hazing incident involving at least one younger teammate. The student athletes, whose identities have not been disclosed due to their age, turned themselves in on Wednesday and were given appearance tickets for a later court date.
The players are facing misdemeanor charges of unlawful imprisonment, according to District Attorney Bill Fitzpatrick. The incident, described by Fitzpatrick as “hazing on steroids,” occurred on April 24 when the older players lured their younger teammates into the woods under the guise of a prank.
One victim reported that after a lacrosse game, he went to McDonald’s with the upperclassmen and was then taken deep into the woods as part of the prank. The older players emerged from the woods dressed in black, armed with what appeared to be weapons, and proceeded to tie up the victim and place him in the trunk of a car. The entire ordeal was filmed by the perpetrators, leaving the victim traumatized.
Despite warnings from authorities, some of the suspects initially refused to turn themselves in. Fitzpatrick gave them 48 hours to surrender voluntarily, or they would be tracked down, arrested, and prosecuted as adults on felony kidnapping charges. However, all suspects eventually turned themselves in and are now facing misdemeanor charges.
The varsity boys’ lacrosse season at Westhill High School has been canceled in light of the incident. Superintendent Steve Dunham emphasized that hazing is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in the school district. The district is cooperating with law enforcement to address the issue and ensure the safety and well-being of all students.
Hazing is a serious offense that can have lasting physical and emotional effects on victims. The district is committed to addressing such behavior promptly and appropriately according to its Code of Conduct. Any actions that endanger the safety or well-being of students will be dealt with decisively.
The community has been shocked by the incident, with many expressing outrage at the actions of the student athletes. Authorities are taking the matter seriously and are working to ensure that justice is served in this case.
