Eleven high school lacrosse players charged in Syracuse hazing case

Eleven students from Westhill High School are facing criminal charges following an alleged hazing incident involving younger teammates on the school's lacrosse team.

(CNN)- Eleven students from Westhill High School are facing criminal charges following an alleged hazing incident involving younger teammates on the school’s lacrosse team. The Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office confirmed the players have surrendered and face charges of unlawful imprisonment. Juvenile suspects will be processed through family court, while those legally considered adults will be arraigned.

According to prosecutors, five younger players were taken to a wooded area where individuals dressed in black, and allegedly armed with at least one handgun and a knife, confronted them. Four of the students managed to escape, but one was restrained. “The individual had a pillowcase placed over his head, was tied up, and put in the trunk of a car,” said District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, adding that the case could have warranted kidnapping charges. Instead, Fitzpatrick opted for the lesser misdemeanor due to the suspects’ cooperation.

Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Elie Honig noted that there is no legal defense for hazing under the law. “If you get prosecuted as a juvenile youthful offender, the punishments are way lighter and less likely to follow you throughout life,” he said. Fitzpatrick emphasized that most of the lacrosse team was not involved and had no knowledge of the incident beforehand. However, legal experts say the school could still face civil lawsuits if it’s found to have failed in its supervisory duties.