SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) – At least 11 high school students in Syracuse are facing a stark choice: turn themselves in within 48 hours, or face felony kidnapping charges stemming from a disturbing hazing incident targeting younger members of their school’s lacrosse team. onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick characterized the event as far exceeding typical hazing, signaling the severity of the alleged actions.

The Incident: A prank Gone Horribly Wrong

Last Thursday evening, a group of students from Westhill High School allegedly planned what they described as a “haze or some sort of prank” aimed at younger lacrosse players, according to Fitzpatrick. The incident has led to serious legal repercussions and a complete overhaul of the school’s lacrosse program.

Did you know? Hazing is illegal in many states and carries serious penalties, ranging from fines to imprisonment.

Superintendent Stephen Dunham announced the cancellation of the remainder of the varsity boys’ lacrosse season. He stated that this drastic measure was necessary to address the program’s culture, even though most team members were not involved or aware of the planned incident. “we must address the culture of the program, and the most appropriate way to do that is with a reset,” Dunham said Tuesday.

Details Emerge: Kidnapping and Mock Execution?

The Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office has identified five victims in the case. According to fitzpatrick, one student was taken to a remote area where individuals dressed in black, and armed with what appeared to be a handgun and a knife, emerged from the woods.

The victim was reportedly blindfolded with a pillowcase, tied up, and placed in the trunk of a car before being abandoned in a wooded area. Fitzpatrick stated, “He was eventually returned home. There was a period of time where he thought he was going to be abandoned in the middle of nowhere.” He further noted that a video recording of the incident suggested some participants found the situation “amusing.”

“Not a Rite of Passage”: District Attorney Condemns Actions

Fitzpatrick emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, I’ve seen the videotape of what happened to this young man. It is not a rite of passage. It is indeed not a trivial matter. I don’t know how long this young man will be affected by what happened to him. He explained that the victim was lured under the pretense of going to McDonald’s after a lacrosse game.

Pro Tip: If you or someone you know is a victim of hazing, report it to authorities immediately.

The district attorney described how the driver feigned getting lost, at which point the “accomplices jumped out of the woods, pretending to be kidnappers.” Fitzpatrick has removed the decision to press charges from the victims and their parents, ensuring the case will be prosecuted through normal legal channels. He noted that without felony charges,the perpetrators would likely face less severe consequences in family court,or potentially avoid a criminal record altogether.

A 48-Hour Ultimatum

During the news conference, Fitzpatrick addressed the at least 11 individuals believed to be involved, offering them a 48-hour window to turn themselves in to the sheriff’s department and face misdemeanor charges of unlawful imprisonment.He issued a warning: if you don’t — if you’re tougher than me, you’re a gambler and you’re going to play the odds, you don’t think you’re going to get caught — trust me, the men and women of the onondaga County Sheriff’s Department are going to identify you.

Those who fail to comply risk being arrested, prosecuted as adults, and charged with felony kidnapping, potentially in the second degree.

School District responds: Hazing “Strictly Prohibited”

Superintendent Dunham stated that the Westhill Central School District’s policy “strictly prohibits” hazing “in all forms.” He described hazing as “an indefensible act” that “can be humiliating and degrading,potentially causing physical and emotional harm.”

The school district initiated an investigation and alerted law enforcement immediately after learning about the off-campus incident. However, dunham stated that he “cannot comment or share specific details about student discipline.”

Combating Rumors and Misinformation

Both fitzpatrick and Dunham addressed the widespread rumors surrounding the incident. fitzpatrick noted that rumors had “gotten fully out of control,” while Dunham acknowledged that “rumors, questions, and comments about what happened have littered social media, gossip in the community.” Both officials stressed the importance of allowing the investigation to proceed accurately and thoroughly.

Onondaga County Undersheriff jeffrey Passino stated that the incident was initially reported by a school resource officer, who then contacted the sheriff’s department. The criminal investigation was subsequently turned over to the district attorney on tuesday morning.

fitzpatrick addressed the parents of students who might choose not to surrender, warning that if the sheriff’s department invests meaningful resources in the case, “Then don’t come crying to me two weeks from now and say, ‘you charged my little baby with kidnapping.’ Yeah, that’s right.Most of my prosecutors can win cases that are on videotape.”

FAQ: Hazing Incident in Syracuse, NY

  • What happened? At least 11 high school students are accused of hazing younger lacrosse players, with one victim allegedly kidnapped and abandoned.
  • What are the charges? The students face potential felony kidnapping charges, and also misdemeanor charges of unlawful imprisonment.
  • What is the school district doing? The Westhill Central School District canceled the remainder of the lacrosse season and is cooperating with law enforcement.
  • What should I do if I have information about the incident? contact the Onondaga county Sheriff’s Department immediately.