Syracuse 11 Westhill High Lacrosse Players Accused in Hazing Incident Surrender to Authorities, Avoid Kidnapping Charges
All 11 Westhill High School lacrosse players believed to be involved in a hazing episode in Syracuse, New York, have voluntarily reported to authorities, according to Onondaga County First Chief Assistant District Attorney Joseph Coolican.
Juvenile suspects will be referred directly to family court, while the others will go through arraignment, Coolican noted. Each faces misdemeanor charges of unlawful imprisonment, District Attorney William Fitzpatrick confirmed.
The student-athletes—whose names are withheld due to their ages—allegedly targeted five younger teammates in an incident Fitzpatrick described as “far beyond typical hazing.”
On Tuesday, Fitzpatrick issued a public ultimatum: turn yourselves in within 48 hours and face lesser misdemeanor charges. All 11 complied within a day of the announcement.
Details of the Incident
According to prosecutors, the alleged hazing occurred last Thursday after a lacrosse game.
Once on the road, the driver claimed to be lost in a remote part of the county. At that point, other individuals—dressed in black and pretending to be kidnappers—emerged from the woods. At least one carried what appeared to be a handgun, and another wielded a knife, according to Fitzpatrick.
While some of the victims managed to flee, one student was unable to escape the staged attack.
The case has shocked the local community and prompted broader discussions about hazing and student safety in school sports programs.
Disturbing Details Emerge in Syracuse Hazing Case; DA Explains Why Kidnapping Charges Were Avoided
According to Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, the hazing incident took a terrifying turn when the group of Westhill High School lacrosse players allegedly placed a pillowcase over a younger teammate’s head, restrained him, and forced him into the trunk of a vehicle.
Although the student was eventually brought back home, Fitzpatrick said the ordeal left him deeply shaken. “There was a moment when he genuinely believed he was being left behind in the middle of nowhere,” the DA said.
Fitzpatrick, who reviewed video footage of the incident, emphasized the severity of what occurred. “This was not some harmless initiation ritual. It was deeply traumatic,” he stated.
“You can hear some of them finding it funny,” he added.
Why More Serious Charges Weren’t Filed
Before all of the suspects turned themselves in, Fitzpatrick addressed the possibility of felony charges at a press conference on Tuesday. He warned that if the students failed to come forward, they could face charges of second-degree kidnapping and be prosecuted as adults.
“If you think you’re smarter than law enforcement or willing to gamble that you won’t get caught—think again,” Fitzpatrick said.
However, because all 11 suspects voluntarily surrendered within the 48-hour window he provided, they were allowed to face lesser charges of unlawful imprisonment—a misdemeanor—rather than more serious felony charges.
Underage Suspects in Syracuse Hazing Incident to Face Family Court, No Permanent Criminal Record
The underage suspects involved in the hazing incident at Westhill High School, who voluntarily surrendered, will be directed to family court, bypassing adult criminal charges, according to Assistant District Attorney Joseph Coolican.
“Those over 18 may be eligible for Youthful Offender status, which would seal their records under New York state law.”
Coolican clarified that the misdemeanor charges they face won’t result in a permanent criminal record, provided the suspects comply with the legal process.
As for the weapon allegedly used during the hazing, Fitzpatrick refrained from commenting on whether it was real or fake but confirmed that no charges related to weapon possession would be filed.
What’s Next for the School and Lacrosse Program?
Westhill Central School District has canceled the remainder of the varsity boys’ lacrosse season in response to the incident, Superintendent Stephen Dunham announced on Tuesday. Concerns about other teams refusing to compete against Westhill contributed to this decision.
Although most players were not directly involved or aware of the hazing plan, Dunham stated that the district felt it necessary to “reset” the team’s culture.
The school district is conducting its own internal investigation but has refrained from sharing specific details regarding disciplinary actions, citing confidentiality. However, Dunham emphasized that Westhill Central School District has a strict anti-hazing policy, condemning it as “indefensible.”
“Hazing is harmful, both physically and emotionally,” he stated. “It can lead to humiliation and degradation, which we will not tolerate.”
Before the suspects turned themselves in, Dunham reassured the public that the district is fully cooperating with the district attorney’s office. “Any behavior that threatens the safety, mental health, or well-being of students will be addressed swiftly and in line with our Code of Conduct,” he said.
“We’re facing this difficult situation with transparency, alongside law enforcement,” he added.
CNN has reached out for further comments from Dunham and the Onondaga Sheriff’s Department following the suspects’ surrender.