In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through the Syracuse community, eleven high school students from Westhill High School surrendered to authorities on April 30, 2025, following allegations of a severe hazing incident described by Onondaga County District Attorney Bill Fitzpatrick as "hazing on steroids." The students, most of whom are members of the boys varsity lacrosse team, faced charges stemming from an event that escalated from a supposed prank to a traumatic experience for a younger teammate.
The incident occurred on the evening of April 24, when the accused students allegedly invited several younger players to join them for what was presented as a fun outing after a lacrosse game. One victim, who believed he was going to enjoy a meal at McDonald’s, found himself in a harrowing situation. According to Fitzpatrick, the driver of the vehicle pretended to be lost and stopped in a remote area. This is when accomplices, who were also students, jumped out of the woods dressed in black and armed with what appeared to be at least one handgun and one knife.
"I cannot really adequately express to this community the level of stupidity and lack of judgment involved in this case," Fitzpatrick stated during a press conference. The victim was reportedly blindfolded with a pillowcase, tied up, and placed in the trunk of a car, while the other potential victims managed to escape the situation. Fitzpatrick emphasized the severity of the act, stating, "I've seen the videotape of what happened to this young man; it is not a rite of passage, it is not a trivial matter. I find it incomprehensible that in this day and age that somebody thought they could have gotten away with something like this."
Fitzpatrick had given the eleven suspects a 48-hour deadline to surrender, warning that failure to do so would result in them being prosecuted as adults and facing felony kidnapping charges. The district attorney noted that the incident went far beyond typical hazing, likening it to criminal activity. He remarked, "If you want to welcome someone onto your team and toughen them up, maybe an extra hour of practice might be appropriate as opposed to taking someone at gunpoint, stuffing them in the back of a car, and traumatizing them for the rest of their life."
All eleven students complied with the surrender deadline, with some turning themselves in on April 29 and others on April 30. They now face misdemeanor charges of unlawful imprisonment. According to First Chief Assistant District Attorney Joseph Coolican, the non-juvenile students will be arraigned, while the juveniles will go directly to family court.
In a statement to families, Westhill Schools Superintendent Steven Dunham announced the cancellation of the remainder of the varsity boys lacrosse season. Despite many players not being involved in the incident, Dunham explained that the decision was made to address the culture of the program. He stated, "Some may argue that all student-athletes shouldn't be punished for the actions of a few. While I understand the perspective, we must address the culture of the program, and the most appropriate way to do that is with a reset."
As the investigation continues, Dunham emphasized the school district's commitment to cooperating fully with law enforcement. He acknowledged the serious nature of hazing, stating, "Hazing is an indefensible act. It can be humiliating and degrading, potentially causing physical and emotional harm." The school district has launched its own investigation into the incident, although specific details about student discipline cannot be shared publicly.
Victims of the incident have been left traumatized, with Fitzpatrick expressing concern for the long-term impact on the young players involved. "I don’t know how long this young man will be affected by what happened to him," he said, highlighting the psychological ramifications of such experiences.
Community members have reacted with shock and disbelief at the severity of the incident, with many calling for a thorough examination of the culture surrounding high school sports. As discussions continue about the implications of hazing and the responsibilities of student-athletes, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking behind seemingly innocent traditions.
While the students involved face serious consequences, the broader community is grappling with how to prevent such incidents in the future. The Westhill Central School District has made it clear that it will not tolerate any behavior that jeopardizes the safety and well-being of its students. As the investigation unfolds, there is hope for a renewed focus on fostering a positive and supportive environment within school sports.
This troubling episode raises questions about the accountability of student-athletes and the need for effective measures to combat hazing in schools across the nation. As the story develops, it will be crucial for both the school district and local authorities to address the underlying issues that led to this alarming incident.
