Syracuse DA Gives 11 Students 48 Hours to Surrender in Violent Lacrosse Hazing Case or Face Felony Kidnapping Charges

A disturbing case of extreme hazing in Syracuse, New York, has escalated into a criminal investigation, with the district attorney giving 11 Westhill High School students just 48 hours to turn themselves in—or risk being charged with felony kidnapping.

Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick made the announcement Tuesday, calling the incident “way beyond hazing” and confirming that at least five younger lacrosse players were targeted in what appears to have been a planned and violent prank.

The incident happened last Thursday night, when a group of older students allegedly lured a younger teammate under false pretenses—promising a stop at McDonald’s after a game—only to take him to a remote area instead. According to investigators, the boy was ambushed by individuals dressed in black, some of whom appeared armed with a handgun and a knife. A pillowcase was thrown over his head, he was tied up, forced into a car trunk, and eventually left alone in a wooded area.

“He was terrified—he thought he was going to be abandoned in the middle of nowhere,” Fitzpatrick said. “This wasn’t a rite of passage. It wasn’t harmless fun.”

The DA added that parts of the incident were caught on video, where some participants could be heard laughing. “You can hear some of the individuals found it amusing,” he noted grimly.

In response, Westhill Central School District Superintendent Stephen Dunham announced the remainder of the varsity boys’ lacrosse season has been canceled. While most team members were not involved, Dunham said the decision reflects the need for a cultural reset: “We must address the culture of the program.”

He also reaffirmed the district’s zero-tolerance stance on hazing, calling it “an indefensible act” that can cause lasting harm. The school launched an internal investigation immediately after learning of the incident and notified law enforcement.

Fitzpatrick said the decision to pursue charges is now in the hands of prosecutors—not the victims or their families. The 11 students allegedly involved are being given a one-time offer to surrender within 48 hours and face a misdemeanor charge of unlawful imprisonment. If they fail to do so, they could face adult felony charges of second-degree kidnapping.

“You think you’re not going to get caught? Trust me, the sheriff’s department will find you,” Fitzpatrick warned. “And then you’ll be prosecuted as an adult.”

If the students surrender within the 48-hour window, Fitzpatrick said their cases would likely be handled in family court, avoiding a criminal record. But if they don’t, and are identified later, they could face serious legal consequences, including a permanent criminal record.

To parents considering holding out, Fitzpatrick had a blunt message: “Don’t come crying to me two weeks from now when your kid gets charged with kidnapping. Yes, we have video. And most of my prosecutors can win cases that are on tape.”

Both school and law enforcement officials urged the community to be patient and avoid jumping to conclusions. Rumors have swirled across social media, adding fuel to an already heated situation.

“This is an active and complex investigation, and we’re approaching it with care,” Dunham said. “Taking time to get the facts right shouldn’t be mistaken for inaction.”

The initial report was made by a school resource officer and passed to the sheriff’s department, which formally handed the case over to the DA on Tuesday morning.