11 Students Face Charges in Hazing Incident Involving Westhill High School Lacrosse Team in Syracuse

Eleven high school students from Westhill High School in Syracuse, New York, have been ordered to turn themselves in to the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office within 48 hours in connection with a serious hazing incident targeting younger members of the school's lacrosse team. Authorities revealed that at least one student was taken to a remote wooded area, restrained, and placed in the trunk of a car.

Onondaga County District Attorney Bill Fitzpatrick described the event, which occurred on April 24, as “hazing on steroids.” The investigation, led by the sheriff’s office, has identified at least five victims so far.

According to reports, one victim recounted attending a lacrosse game and then going to McDonald’s with upperclassmen. Afterward, the group drove into a remote wooded area under the pretense of being lost. At that point, individuals dressed in black emerged from the woods, brandishing what appeared to be at least one handgun and one knife. The victim was blindfolded with a pillowcase, tied up, and placed in the trunk of a vehicle.

Fitzpatrick confirmed having reviewed video footage of the incident and stated that at one point, the student feared being abandoned in the woods. "You can hear some individuals found it amusing,” he said. While no physical injuries were reported, the emotional toll is expected to be long-lasting. Some of the other victims reportedly managed to escape during the ordeal.

Authorities believe that a total of 11 individuals were involved, and possibly more. Fitzpatrick urged those involved to surrender voluntarily within 48 hours. Those who comply will receive an appearance ticket for unlawful imprisonment, a class A misdemeanor, and be released to the custody of their parents. The case will likely be handled in family court, offering those who surrender a chance to resolve the matter without a criminal conviction.

However, Fitzpatrick warned that failure to comply would result in adult prosecution and the possibility of being charged with felony kidnapping. He clarified that under New York law, all participants in the group are equally liable, regardless of whether they held a weapon or directly restrained the victim.

None of the suspects had been taken into custody or issued appearance tickets at the time of the press conference. Some of those involved are legally adults, although their identities have not been made public. Fitzpatrick also noted varying levels of cooperation from the students during the investigation.

In response to the incident, Westhill Central School District Superintendent Steve Dunham announced the cancellation of the remainder of the boys' lacrosse season. While emphasizing that most varsity team members were not involved or aware of the hazing, Dunham stated that a program-wide reset was necessary to address the team culture.

“Hazing is an indefensible act,” Dunham stated, reiterating that inappropriate behavior would be addressed according to the district’s Code of Conduct. He also confirmed the district is fully cooperating with the ongoing criminal investigation.