Eleven students from upstate New York’s Westhill High School have surrendered themselves to law enforcement. For this, they are facing criminal-level hazing allegations that included armed kidnapping. Local law enforcement has called them “hazing on steroids.” All of these events unfolded during the evening of April 24 and have raised serious alarm bells throughout the community.
On April 29, Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick called an unusual news conference to explain what was going on. It was at that point that he dropped the bombshell – that the speculation related to the case had gotten totally out of hand. Further, he explained how extreme and dangerous the students’ actions were.
A few of the older players fashioned a scheme to dupe their younger teammates. Of course, they faked that invitation to a women’s lacrosse game and instead treated them to McDonald’s. Rather than relaxing during a friendly team bonding event, one of the new members ended up confused and lost in a secluded wooded area in Onondaga County. There, he would endure a harrowing experience.
Details of the Incident
In this news conference, Fitzpatrick laid out some of the most scary things that happened. He said the victim was taken to the wooded area after the driver feigned getting lost.
At an agreed upon time, people emerged from the woods clad in all black. They were armed, as it turned out, with what looked like at least one handgun and at least one knife, Fitzpatrick explained.
The younger compatriot was left in a brutal position. In the process, someone put a pillowcase over his head, tied him up, and subsequently dumped him in the trunk of a car. Fortunately, younger teammates were able to get out during this unfortunate melee to cause a much needed change.
Fitzpatrick verified that kidnapped student has safely made her way home. What he worried about was really the emotional impact of this incredibly traumatic experience. “I am not aware if the student suffered any physical injuries, but emotionally … that’s going to be long term,” he stated.
Community Reaction and School Response
Westhill Central School District Superintendent Steve Dunham to his credit moved quickly. His move to end the boys’ lacrosse season indefinitely at Westhill High School. His decision was only one step in a larger pledge to better deal with abusive conduct from anyone in the school community.
As I shared previously, we will address inappropriate behavior that negatively impacts members of our school community promptly and appropriately according to our Code of Conduct, Dunham assured.
Fitzpatrick made an important threat during that news conference. He gave the students 48 hours to turn themselves in first before facing punishment from police. What he failed to communicate was that if they so complied, they would receive nothing more than an appearance ticket. This ticket would make unlawful imprisonment a Class A misdemeanor.
Students Surrender to Authorities
Following Fitzpatrick’s announcement, all eleven students turned themselves in to the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office on April 30. As Fitzpatrick pointed out, when you turn yourself in, “You won’t be sitting in the public safety building for long. You will not have bail set. You will be placed into your parents’ custody. This illustrates a unique leniency provided to facilitate maximum cooperation from all parties.
Fitzpatrick expressed frustration over the incident, stating, “I cannot really adequately express to this community the level of stupidity and lack of judgment involved in this case.” Yet whatever the motivations behind these students’ actions, his remarks underscore just how far they’ve gone. Further, they highlight the significant lifelong effects for both the victims and the individuals who commit these acts.
While investigations fall, community members continue to look for proactively protecting the safety, health and wellness of students in and on school property. The shocking nature of this incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for oversight and proactive measures against hazing and violence in educational institutions.
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