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Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick has released new details about a hazing incident involving Westhill High School's boys' lacrosse team. On April 23, some players attempted to abduct younger teammates as a prank, but the attempt was recognized as a joke. However, the following night, the prank escalated into a more serious incident.
According to CNN, the older players staged a kidnapping, abducting a younger player, tying him up, and placing him in a car trunk. The players involved have been charged with unlawful imprisonment, a misdemeanor. The incident has left the community in shock, with many questioning how it escalated to this point.
Fitzpatrick described the event as "hazing on steroids," and the case has drawn national attention. The suspects, who turned themselves in after being offered a deal by the DA, will face consequences in family court due to their ages. The DA's office is still discussing the incident with those involved, and none of the victims from the initial failed abduction have filed complaints.
The Westhill Central School District plans to enhance its hazing prevention programs and provide additional training for coaches and athletes. The community continues to grapple with the incident's impact, as families and school officials work to address the fallout.