All 11 students from West Hill High School in Syracuse, New York, accused of orchestrating a violent hazing incident have surrendered to authorities, according to the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office. The students, members of the school’s varsity lacrosse team, now face misdemeanor charges of unlawful imprisonment after accepting a 48-hour surrender deal. Without it, they could have faced felony kidnapping charges.
District Attorney William Fitzpatrick described the incident as “hazing on steroids.” On April 24, the older students allegedly lured at least five younger teammates under the false pretense of attending a lacrosse game and getting dinner. Instead, they staged an ambush involving students dressed in black. Victims were taken to the woods—one had a pillowcase placed over his head, hands tied behind his back, and was threatened with a firearm and knife before being shoved into a vehicle.
Authorities say the suspects had assigned roles in the setup, which Fitzpatrick stressed does not absolve anyone of responsibility. “They’re all in this together,” he stated. The victims were eventually released, but officials believe the emotional trauma from the ordeal may have long-lasting effects.
The Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation after being notified by the school’s resource officer. In response, the Westhill Central School District canceled the remainder of the boys’ lacrosse season. Superintendent Steve Dunham acknowledged that the majority of the team was not involved but said a “reset” of the program was necessary to address its culture.
“Hazing is an indefensible act,” Dunham stated, affirming the district’s commitment to enforcing its Code of Conduct and holding students accountable. The one adult-aged suspect will face arraignment in criminal court, while the minors will go through juvenile family court.
The case has reignited national concerns about hazing culture in high school athletics, particularly when it escalates into criminal behavior. Experts warn that such extreme acts, often justified as team-building traditions, reflect deeper failures in oversight and leadership within school sports programs. Lawmakers and parent groups are now calling for stronger anti-hazing legislation and mandatory reporting requirements, emphasizing that incidents like this should serve as a wake-up call for districts across the country.
