News Summary

In a shocking hazing incident involving at least eleven students from Westhill High School in Syracuse, NY, authorities are pursuing felony kidnapping charges. The disturbing event featured older students allegedly orchestrating a plan that led to a younger victim being tied up and placed in a car trunk. This incident has prompted the cancellation of the varsity boys’ lacrosse season and a thorough investigation by the district and local law enforcement. As the community comes to terms with the implications, serious discussions about the effects of hazing emerge.

Syracuse High School Students Face Serious Charges in Lacrosse Hazing Incident

In a shocker that has left the small community of Syracuse, New York, reeling, at least eleven high school students from Westhill High School are now facing potential felony kidnapping charges stemming from a bizarre and alarming hazing incident. Authorities have given these students a brief 48-hour window to turn themselves in, or they may find themselves facing much graver accusations.

The Disturbing Details

The district attorney, William Fitzpatrick, has made it clear that this incident “goes way beyond hazing.” Allegations suggest that older students were involved in a scheme designed to “haze or play some sort of prank” on younger members of the lacrosse team, specifically targeting at least five victims who were left feeling vulnerable and frightened.

The hazing event unfolded last Thursday night, taking a dark turn as some of the older students orchestrated a plan that they thought would be funny. Instead, it led to a chilling situation that involved multiple individuals dressed in black, reportedly brandishing a weapon that resembled a handgun and a knife. The victim, who was led to believe he was simply heading to McDonald’s after a lacrosse game, instead found himself in a remote area with a pillowcase over his head, tied up, and tragically placed in the trunk of a car.

Implications for the Lacrosse Season

As a direct result of this shocking incident, the Westhill Central School District has made the decision to cancel the remainder of its varsity boys’ lacrosse season. Superintendent Stephen Dunham made this announcement and reiterated the school’s unwavering stance against hazing, labeling it as “indefensible” and a serious issue that poses risks to students.

A Community in Distress

Concerns flared up as news of the incident spread like wildfire on social media, prompting the district and the authorities to work diligently to clarify the situation. There are ongoing investigations, including those initiated by a school resource officer who connected with the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department to delve deeper into the matter, ensuring that all the facts are uncovered.

Undersheriff Jeffrey Passino has confirmed that the sheriff’s office is actively looking into the reported hazing incident. Fitzpatrick also mentioned there’s a videotape of the incident, revealing some individuals involved reacted with laughter, a stark reminder that this is far more serious than what might be considered a rite of passage.

Coping with the Aftermath

One of the victims experienced significant distress after the freaky ordeal, believing he would be abandoned. After being left in a secluded area and the horrifying details emerging, it’s clear that this incident is causing ripple effects throughout the community. Fitzpatrick reassured everyone that the decision to press charges is firmly in the hands of the district attorney’s office, taking the load off the victims and their families.

For those who turn themselves in during the designated 48-hour period, there is the possibility of facing lesser misdemeanor charges of unlawful imprisonment. However, failure to comply with this timeframe could escalate their predicament to serious felony charges, which would mean being processed as adults.

A Final Word on Hazing

The Westhill Central School District has a comprehensive anti-hazing policy that seeks to protect students and create a positive environment for all. Dunham emphasized the importance of maintaining privacy for the students involved and highlighted that the length of this investigation should not be interpreted as a lack of action on the district’s part. Instead, they are committed to handling the matter with the care and thoroughness it requires.

As the community continues to grapple with the implications of this disturbing event, it’s a wake-up call for students and parents alike to engage in open conversations about hazing and its serious consequences.

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