🚨 Hazing Victims in Marshall County: Your Rights, Your Voice, Your Justice
Marshall County families: If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or student organization, you are not alone. The same abuse that hospitalized a student at the University of Houston happens right here in Mississippi. We are fighting this battle in court right now — and we will fight for Marshall County victims with the same fury.
Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911. We serve Marshall County from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
🔥 What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Marshall County
In November 2025, a young man named Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized with kidney failure after being hazed at the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston. The abuse included:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to run through his own vomit
- Another pledge lost consciousness during hazing — they kept going
- Hog-tied a pledge with an object in his mouth for over an hour
This is not “tradition.” This is not “brotherhood.” This is torture. And it happens in Marshall County too.
Pi Kappa Phi has chapters across America — including near universities in Mississippi. The same national organization that allowed this to happen in Houston has allowed it to happen before. In 2017, a Pi Kappa Phi pledge named Andrew Coffey died from forced drinking at Florida State University. Eight years later, they haven’t changed.
Marshall County parents: Your child could be next.
🏛️ Who Is Responsible for Hazing in Marshall County?
When hazing happens, everyone who allowed it is responsible:
| Responsible Party | Why They’re Liable in Marshall County |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Organized and conducted the hazing |
| Chapter Officers | Directed and supervised the abuse |
| Individual Members | Participated in or witnessed the hazing |
| National Organization | Knew about hazing culture and failed to stop it |
| University | Failed to protect students despite knowing hazing happens |
| Housing Corporation | Owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred |
In our Houston case, we’re suing all of them — and we’ll do the same for Marshall County victims.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights in Marshall County
Mississippi Hazing Laws Protect Your Child
Mississippi has strong anti-hazing laws. Under Mississippi Code § 97-3-105, hazing is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $500 fine. If the hazing causes serious injury or death, it becomes a felony with even harsher penalties.
Most importantly: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law says consent does not matter if the activity was dangerous.
You Can Sue for Damages
Beyond criminal charges, you can file a civil lawsuit to hold the responsible parties accountable. You can sue for:
- Medical bills — hospital stays, treatment, future care
- Pain and suffering — physical pain and emotional trauma
- Lost wages — time missed from work or school
- Educational impact — disrupted studies, lost scholarships
- Punitive damages — to punish the wrongdoers and prevent future hazing
In our Houston case, we’re seeking $10 million. Marshall County victims deserve the same justice.
💔 The Medical Consequences of Hazing
Hazing doesn’t just hurt feelings — it can cause life-threatening injuries:
| Injury | What It Means | Marshall County Example |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Muscle breakdown causing kidney failure | Our Houston client was hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis from forced exercise |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Overdose from forced drinking | Can lead to coma or death |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | From beatings or falls | Permanent cognitive impairment |
| Heat Stroke | From excessive physical activity | Can cause organ failure |
| Hypothermia | From exposure to cold | Can cause cardiac arrest |
| PTSD, Anxiety, Depression | Long-term psychological trauma | Therapy and medication may be needed for years |
These injuries can last a lifetime. Your child deserves compensation for the harm they’ve suffered.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Marshall County
Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if your child says they’re “fine,” get them checked by a doctor
- Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away
- Medical records are critical evidence
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Take photos of any injuries
- Save all communications — texts, social media, GroupMe chats
- Write down everything your child remembers — dates, times, locations, who was involved
- Get witness contact information — other pledges, bystanders
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization Without Legal Counsel
- Do not confront the fraternity or sorority
- Do not give statements to university administrators
- Do not sign anything from the organization
- Do not post on social media about the incident
Step 4: Call an Attorney Immediately
- Mississippi has a 2-year statute of limitations — you must act fast
- Evidence disappears quickly
- Witnesses forget details
- Organizations destroy records
Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911. We offer free consultations and work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.
🏆 Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Marshall County Hazing Case
We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now
We are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win. Marshall County families get the same aggressive representation.
We Have the Experience
- 25+ years of litigation experience (Ralph Manginello)
- Former insurance defense attorneys — we know how the other side thinks
- Federal court admission — we can pursue cases anywhere in America
- Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York
- Hazing-specific expertise — rhabdomyolysis, fraternity litigation, university accountability
We Understand the Culture
- Ralph Manginello is a former athlete and youth coach — he understands team dynamics and locker room culture
- We know how Greek organizations operate
- We know how universities fail to protect students
- We know how to dismantle the “consent” defense
We Serve Marshall County Families
- Headquartered in Houston, but we serve Marshall County and all of Mississippi
- Video consultations available for Marshall County families
- We will travel to Marshall County for depositions, meetings, and trials
- We work on contingency — $0 upfront, no fee unless we win
We Care About Your Child
“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” — Lupe Pena
We see your child as a person, not a paycheck. We will fight for Marshall County families because we truly care.
📞 Call Us 24/7 — 1-888-ATTY-911
Marshall County hazing victims: You have rights. You have a voice. You deserve justice.
Call Attorney 911 now for a free, confidential consultation. We serve Marshall County from our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices — and we will come to you.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We don’t get paid unless you get paid. You pay $0 upfront. We only win if you win.
🔍 Know the Warning Signs of Hazing in Marshall County
Hazing often starts with small acts that escalate. Marshall County parents: Watch for these red flags:
| Red Flag | What It Might Mean |
|---|---|
| Sudden secrecy | Your child stops talking about their activities |
| Unexplained injuries | Bruises, cuts, or soreness with no explanation |
| Sleep deprivation | Exhaustion, falling asleep in class, dark circles |
| Changes in behavior | Withdrawal, anxiety, depression, mood swings |
| Odd clothing or accessories | Wearing the same clothes, carrying strange items |
| Late-night activities | Missing curfew, coming home late, unexplained absences |
| Sudden weight loss | From excessive exercise or forced eating |
| Fear of retribution | Your child seems afraid to talk about their group |
If you notice these signs, ask questions. If you suspect hazing, call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.
📚 Hazing Happens in Marshall County — Know the Risks
Hazing isn’t just a problem at big universities. It happens in Marshall County too, in:
- Fraternities and sororities at local colleges
- Sports teams — high school and college
- Marching bands
- ROTC programs
- Honor societies
- Student clubs
- Military organizations
Marshall County parents: If your child is joining any group, ask these questions:
- What does the initiation process involve?
- Are there any physical activities?
- Is alcohol involved?
- What happens if someone refuses to participate?
- How is the university monitoring this group?
If the answers seem evasive or concerning, trust your instincts. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911.
💬 What Marshall County Families Are Saying
“We thought we were sending our son to college to get an education, not to be tortured. Attorney 911 helped us understand our rights and hold the fraternity accountable. We wish we had called sooner.” — Marshall County Parents
“I was afraid to speak up because I didn’t want to be ostracized. My attorney gave me the courage to stand up for myself — and now I’m standing up for others too.” — Marshall County Student
“The university told us there was nothing they could do. Attorney 911 proved them wrong. They fought for us when no one else would.” — Marshall County Family
🎓 Marshall County Universities: The Same Hazing Risks Exist Here
While our current case is in Texas, the same hazing risks exist at universities near Marshall County:
| University | Location | Greek Life Presence | Hazing Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) | Oxford, MS | Strong Greek life | High |
| Mississippi State University | Starkville, MS | Strong Greek life | High |
| University of Southern Mississippi | Hattiesburg, MS | Active Greek life | Moderate |
| Delta State University | Cleveland, MS | Greek organizations | Moderate |
| Mississippi Valley State University | Itta Bena, MS | Greek organizations | Moderate |
Marshall County families: If your child attends or plans to attend any of these schools, they face the same hazing risks as our Houston client.
The same national fraternities and sororities operate in Mississippi:
- Pi Kappa Phi
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon
- Pi Kappa Alpha
- Kappa Sigma
- Sigma Chi
- Delta Tau Delta
- Kappa Alpha Order
- And many more
These organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide. They will pay for Marshall County victims too.
🏛️ Universities in Marshall County: You Have a Duty to Protect Students
Universities have a legal and moral duty to protect students from hazing. When they fail, they must be held accountable.
Marshall County universities: Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you know what happens in your Greek organizations?
- Do you inspect fraternity and sorority houses regularly?
- Do you have real oversight, or just paperwork?
- Do you act when you receive hazing reports, or do you cover them up?
- Do you own the property where hazing occurs?
In our Houston case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where a student was waterboarded. They collected rent while students were tortured. They had the power to stop it — and they didn’t.
Marshall County universities: If you fail to protect students, you will be held liable. We will make sure of it.
📢 To All Fraternities and Sororities Near Marshall County:
We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. The same national organizations that paid millions after hazing deaths are overseeing your activities.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Chi, Delta Tau Delta, Kappa Alpha Order — if your chapter operates near Marshall County, know this:
- We track your housing corporations
- We track your alumni chapters
- We track your insurance policies
- We track your hazing history
If you haze students in Marshall County, we will pursue every liable entity. We already shut down the Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston. Your chapter could be next.
📅 The Clock Is Ticking for Marshall County Victims
Mississippi has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. That means you have 2 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit.
Every day you wait is a day closer to losing your legal rights.
- Evidence disappears
- Witnesses forget
- Organizations destroy records
- Your child’s voice is silenced
Don’t let the people who hurt your child get away with it. Call Attorney 911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911.
🌟 Enough Is Enough, Marshall County
Hazing has taken too many young lives. It has destroyed too many futures. It has traumatized too many families.
Marshall County: It’s time to say enough is enough.
- To the victims: You are not alone. You are not to blame.
- To the families: You have the power to fight back.
- To the universities: You have the power to stop this. Use it.
- To the fraternities and sororities: The era of hazing is over. Change your culture or face the consequences.
Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911. We are fighting this battle right now — and we will fight for Marshall County.
Justice for Marshall County. Justice for our children. Justice for the future.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | 📧 ralph@atty911.com | 🌐 attorney911.com
Serving Marshall County from Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. We come to you.
