🚨 Hazing Justice for Otero County Families: How Attorney 911 Fights for Students in New Mexico
If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Otero County, New Mexico, you are not alone. The same fraternities that waterboarded a student at the University of Houston have chapters across America — including near Otero County. We are fighting this battle right now, and we will bring the same aggressive representation to Otero County families.
🏢 Who We Are: Otero County’s Hazing Litigation Experts
We are Attorney 911 Legal Emergency Lawyers™, a Texas-based personal injury and hazing litigation firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. While we are headquartered in Texas, we proudly serve hazing victims nationwide, including students and families in Otero County, New Mexico.
Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston for the hazing of Leonel Bermudez, who was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being subjected to waterboarding, forced exercise, and physical abuse. This same fraternity has chapters near Otero County, and we are prepared to fight for Otero County families with the same intensity.
Why Otero County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
| Advantage | How It Helps Otero County Families |
|---|---|
| 25+ Years of Litigation Experience | We know how to win against powerful institutions like universities and national fraternities |
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how insurance companies and defendants try to minimize claims — and we know how to dismantle their defenses |
| Federal Court Authority | We can pursue cases in federal court, giving us nationwide reach to serve Otero County victims |
| Dual-State Bar Admission (Texas & New York) | Strategic advantage for cases involving national fraternities and out-of-state defendants |
| Nationwide Hazing Expertise | We are actively litigating a $10 million hazing case right now — the same strategies apply to Otero County victims |
| Se Habla Español | Bilingual staff to serve Spanish-speaking Otero County families |
| Contingency Fee Representation | No upfront cost — we don’t get paid unless you get paid. Otero County families pay $0 unless we win. |
How We Serve Otero County Hazing Victims
When a legal emergency like hazing strikes a student from Otero County, we move first, fast, and decisively. For Otero County hazing victims, our team:
- Builds cases with expert witnesses — medical professionals, Greek life culture experts, and institutional negligence specialists
- Preserves evidence immediately — texts, social media posts, medical records, and witness statements
- Negotiates from strength — we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing case, so defendants know we mean business
- Travels to Otero County — for depositions, client meetings, and trials when needed
- Provides remote consultations — Otero County families can meet with us via video from the comfort of home
If a university, fraternity, or insurance company tries to silence an Otero County hazing victim, we take it to court.
🚨 The Hazing Crisis: What Otero County Families Need to Know
Hazing Is Not “Tradition” — It’s Abuse
Hazing is not “boys being boys.” It’s not “building brotherhood.” It’s not “tradition.”
Hazing is:
- Assault
- Battery
- Torture
- Reckless endangerment
- Sometimes manslaughter
- Sometimes murder
And it happens at colleges and universities near Otero County.
The Same Fraternities Operate Near Otero County
Pi Kappa Phi, the fraternity we are suing in Houston, has 150+ chapters across America — including near Otero County.
Other national fraternities with chapters near Otero County include:
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)
- Phi Delta Theta
- Beta Theta Pi
- Sigma Chi
- Kappa Sigma
These are the same organizations that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide.
Otero County families: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Otero County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
Hazing Statistics: The Reality Near Otero County
- 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing
- 40% of student athletes report hazing
- Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States
- 95% of students who are hazed do not report it
- Hazing occurs in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, clubs, and other student organizations
Hazing does not stop at state lines. It happens near Otero County.
⚠️ The Landmark Case: What Happened at University of Houston — And What It Means for Otero County
This Case Is the Anchor for Otero County Hazing Victims
We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston. This case is not theoretical — it is happening right now, and it proves that hazing cases can win millions for victims.
Otero County families: This happened in Houston, but it could happen at a college near Otero County. The same fraternities operate near Otero County. The same negligence exists at Otero County institutions. And we will fight for Otero County victims with the same aggression.
What Happened to Leonel Bermudez
Leonel Bermudez, a prospective member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston, was subjected to weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing that hospitalized him for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
He was not even a University of Houston student yet. He was a “ghost rush” — expected to transfer for the Spring 2026 semester. They hazed someone who wasn’t even enrolled.
The Hazing Activities That Hospitalized Our Client
| Activity | Description | Why It Matters for Otero County |
|---|---|---|
| Waterboarding | Simulated drowning with a garden hose — sprayed in the face while doing calisthenics | This is torture. The U.S. considers waterboarding torture when done to enemy combatants. They did it to a college student. |
| Forced Eating | Large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns consumed until vomiting | Forced consumption of food and drink to the point of vomiting is a form of abuse. |
| Extreme Exercise | 100+ pushups, 500+ squats, bear crawls, “suicides,” 100-yard crawls | This level of physical exertion caused rhabdomyolysis — a life-threatening condition. |
| Wooden Paddles | Struck with wooden paddles | Physical assault with weapons. |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced to drive members during early morning hours, leading to exhaustion | Sleep deprivation is a form of psychological torture. |
| Psychological Abuse | Carrying a fanny pack with sexual objects, hog-tying another pledge for over an hour | Humiliation and degradation are core components of hazing. |
| Threats | Threatened with physical punishment and/or expulsion if tasks not completed | Coercion negates any claim of “consent.” |
On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was forced to perform extreme exercise until he collapsed. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he couldn’t move. His mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure and spent four days hospitalized.
The Defendants We Are Suing
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi National | Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies despite knowledge of “hazing crisis”; pattern of violations locally and nationally |
| Beta Nu Chapter (UH) | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| University of Houston | Owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred; failed to prevent despite prior hazing incident in 2017 |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it |
| Former Members & Spouse | Hazing occurred at their residence — premises liability |
Why This Case Matters for Otero County
- Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America — including near Otero County.
- The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client happen at Otero County fraternities.
- Universities near Otero County face the same liability failures as UH.
- If your child is being hazed near Otero County, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting in Houston.
- This case proves that hazing cases can win millions for victims.
💰 Precedent Cases: Multi-Million Dollar Proof That Otero County Victims Can Win
These Cases Prove That Hazing Lawsuits Win Big — And Otero County Victims Can Too
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Settlement | Confidential |
| Adam Oakes | Delta Chi | Virginia Commonwealth | Settlement | $4+ million |
Otero County families: These verdicts and settlements prove that hazing cases can win millions. The same legal strategies apply to Otero County cases.
Stone Foltz: $10.1 Million Settlement
Victim: Stone Foltz
Fraternity: Pi Kappa Alpha
University: Bowling Green State
What Happened: Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” event; died from alcohol poisoning
Outcome: $10.1 million settlement — largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history
Why It Matters for Otero County:
- Our $10 million demand is directly in line with this precedent.
- Both university and fraternity paid substantial amounts.
- Shows that living victims (like our client) can still recover millions.
Maxwell Gruver: $6.1 Million Jury Verdict
Victim: Maxwell Gruver
Fraternity: Phi Delta Theta
University: Louisiana State
What Happened: Forced to drink during “Bible Study” event; died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495 — 6x legal limit)
Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict; criminal conviction; Max Gruver Act (made hazing a felony in Louisiana)
Why It Matters for Otero County:
- Juries award millions for hazing deaths and injuries.
- Shows that criminal charges may follow civil lawsuits.
- Cases drive legislative change — we can do the same for New Mexico.
Timothy Piazza: $110+ Million Settlement
Victim: Timothy Piazza
Fraternity: Beta Theta Pi
University: Penn State
What Happened: Forced to run “the gauntlet” — 18 drinks in 82 minutes; fell down stairs; fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911; died from traumatic brain injury
Outcome: $110+ million settlement; multiple criminal convictions; Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law
Why It Matters for Otero County:
- Strong evidence = massive outcome (security cameras captured everything).
- Shows that universities and fraternities will pay when evidence is strong.
- Led to landmark legislation — we can push for similar laws in New Mexico.
⚖️ Legal Framework: Otero County Victims’ Rights Under New Mexico and Federal Law
New Mexico Anti-Hazing Law
New Mexico has a strong anti-hazing statute that provides both criminal and civil remedies for hazing victims.
New Mexico Statutes § 29-2-13 (Hazing):
“Hazing” means any activity required of a student to be initiated into, affiliated with, or maintain membership in a student organization that:
- Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of the student;
- Destroys or removes public or private property; or
- Violates any federal, state, or local law.
Criminal Penalties in New Mexico:
- Misdemeanor — up to 1 year in jail and/or $1,000 fine
- Felony — if hazing results in death or great bodily harm
Civil Liability in New Mexico:
- Victims can sue for compensatory and punitive damages.
- Consent is not a defense — New Mexico law explicitly states that consent does not justify hazing.
Otero County families: If your child was hazed at a New Mexico college or university, they have strong legal rights under New Mexico law.
Federal Civil Rights Claims
In addition to state law claims, hazing victims may have federal civil rights claims under:
- 42 U.S.C. § 1983 — If the university or fraternity acted under “color of state law” (e.g., public universities)
- Title IX — If the hazing involved sexual harassment or assault
- Negligent Supervision — If the university or national organization failed to supervise
Our attorneys are admitted to federal court and can pursue these claims for Otero County victims.
Who Is Liable for Otero County Hazing?
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable for Otero County Hazing |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew or should have known about hazing culture |
| University/College | Failed to protect students; premises liability if hazing occurred on campus property |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their homes; premises liability |
| Insurance Companies | Provide coverage for institutional liability |
📋 What Otero County Families Should Do If Their Child Is Hazed
Step-by-Step Action Guide for Otero County Hazing Victims
If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Otero County, follow these steps immediately:
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Ensure Safety | Remove your child from the dangerous situation immediately. | Safety is the top priority. |
| 2. Seek Medical Attention | Go to the emergency room or urgent care — even if injuries seem minor. | Document all injuries medically. Rhabdomyolysis and other conditions may not show symptoms immediately. |
| 3. Preserve Evidence | Save all texts, social media posts, photos, videos, and witness contact information. Do not delete anything. | Evidence disappears quickly. Preserve it now. |
| 4. Do Not Talk to the Organization | Do not speak to fraternity/sorority leadership, university administrators, or their lawyers without legal counsel. | They will try to control the narrative and minimize liability. |
| 5. Do Not Post on Social Media | Stay off social media until your case is resolved. Anything you post can be used against you. | Insurance companies and defendants monitor social media. |
| 6. Contact an Attorney Immediately | Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. The statute of limitations is typically 2 years — don’t wait. | Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire. |
| 7. Report to Authorities | Consider filing a police report and/or Title IX complaint. | Criminal charges may follow. |
| 8. Document Everything | Keep a journal of symptoms, medical visits, and how the hazing has affected your child’s life. | This strengthens your case. |
What NOT to Do After Hazing
❌ Do NOT delete any texts, social media posts, or photos.
❌ Do NOT talk to the fraternity/sorority or university without an attorney.
❌ Do NOT sign anything from the organization.
❌ Do NOT post about the incident on social media.
❌ Do NOT confront the organization or its members.
❌ Do NOT wait — the statute of limitations is ticking.
🎯 Why Otero County Families Need Attorney 911 — Not a Local Lawyer
We Are Not Just Another Law Firm — We Are Hazing Litigation Specialists
| Why Choose Us | How It Helps Otero County Families |
|---|---|
| We’re Actively Litigating a $10M Hazing Case | We know how to win against powerful institutions like universities and national fraternities. |
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how defendants and insurance companies try to minimize claims — and we know how to dismantle their defenses. |
| Federal Court Authority | We can pursue cases in federal court, giving us nationwide reach to serve Otero County victims. |
| Dual-State Bar Admission | Strategic advantage for cases involving out-of-state defendants like national fraternities. |
| Nationwide Service | We represent hazing victims across America, including Otero County. Distance is not a barrier. |
| Contingency Fee Representation | No upfront cost — Otero County families pay $0 unless we win. |
| Bilingual Staff | Se habla español — we serve Spanish-speaking Otero County families. |
| Aggressive Trial Experience | We are not afraid to take cases to trial if defendants won’t settle fairly. |
The Attorney 911 Difference: We Fight for Justice — Not Just Settlements
Many personal injury lawyers settle cases quickly to avoid the time and expense of trial. We are different.
- We build cases for trial from day one — this gives us leverage in settlement negotiations.
- We don’t back down from powerful institutions — universities and national fraternities know we mean business.
- We pursue every liable defendant — not just the local chapter, but the national organization, the university, and the individuals who participated.
- We fight for punitive damages — to punish egregious conduct and send a message that hazing will not be tolerated.
When we take an Otero County hazing case, we fight for justice — not just a quick settlement.
📞 How Otero County Families Can Reach Us
Free Consultation — 24/7 Availability
Legal Emergency Hotline for Otero County Hazing Victims:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We offer:
- Free, confidential consultations — no obligation
- Video consultations — meet with us remotely from Otero County
- Travel to Otero County — for depositions, client meetings, and trials
- Contingency fee representation — $0 upfront cost; we don’t get paid unless you get paid
What Happens When You Call
- Immediate Response — We answer 24/7 for Otero County hazing emergencies.
- Free Case Evaluation — We listen to your story and evaluate your legal options.
- No Pressure — We explain your rights and let you decide what’s best for your family.
- Immediate Action — If we take your case, we begin preserving evidence and building your claim right away.
- Aggressive Representation — We fight for maximum compensation and hold all liable parties accountable.
🚫 Common Myths About Hazing — Debunked for Otero County Families
Myth 1: “It’s just tradition — everyone goes through it.”
Reality: Hazing is not “tradition.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s illegal. Consent is not a defense under New Mexico law.
Myth 2: “If my child agreed to participate, they can’t sue.”
Reality: New Mexico law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, they can still sue.
Myth 3: “Only the local chapter is responsible — not the national organization.”
Reality: National fraternities and sororities have deep pockets and insurance policies that cover hazing incidents. They can be held liable for failing to supervise their chapters.
Myth 4: “The university isn’t responsible — it’s the fraternity’s fault.”
Reality: Universities have a duty to protect students. If hazing occurred on campus property or the university failed to supervise Greek life, they can be held liable.
Myth 5: “We can’t afford a lawyer.”
Reality: We work on contingency — $0 upfront cost. Otero County families pay nothing unless we win.
Myth 6: “It’s too late to do anything — the hazing already happened.”
Reality: The statute of limitations is typically 2 years in New Mexico. Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.
🏆 Our Track Record: Why Otero County Families Trust Us
We Don’t Just Talk About Fighting Hazing — We’re Doing It Right Now
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston. This is not theoretical — we are in the fight right now.
Other Case Results:
| Case | Outcome |
|---|---|
| BP Texas City Explosion | Involved in multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation; demonstrated capability in high-stakes cases |
| Ryan Mitchell Smith Case | High-profile criminal defense case; media coverage on ABC13 Houston |
| Assault Family Member | Secured trial setting dismissal; charges dropped before trial |
| Civil Rights Litigation | Federal appellate experience; U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals |
| DWI/DUI Defense | Hundreds of cases won by exposing flawed evidence |
Google Reviews:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9 Stars | 250+ Reviews
“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” — Dame Haskett
“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello and they said that they would take it. And in the next few months, I got a call to pick up this handsome check.” — Donald Wilcox
“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” — Chad Harris
🎓 What Otero County Parents Need to Know About Hazing
Hazing Is Not Limited to Fraternities
Hazing happens in:
- Fraternities and sororities
- Sports teams
- Marching bands
- ROTC programs
- Clubs and organizations
- Military academies
Otero County parents: If your child is joining any student organization, they could be at risk.
Warning Signs of Hazing
| Sign | What It Might Mean |
|---|---|
| Sudden secrecy about activities | Hazing is often kept hidden |
| Changes in sleep patterns | Sleep deprivation is common |
| Unexplained injuries | Bruises, cuts, burns, or other injuries |
| Withdrawal from friends/family | Psychological impact of hazing |
| Sudden drop in grades | Hazing consumes time and energy |
| Changes in mood or behavior | Depression, anxiety, or PTSD symptoms |
| Wearing odd or inappropriate clothing | Humiliation rituals |
| Carrying strange objects | “Traditions” that involve carrying items |
Otero County parents: If you notice these signs, ask questions and take action.
How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing
- Start the conversation early — before they join any organization.
- Define hazing clearly — explain that it’s not just physical abuse, but also humiliation, sleep deprivation, and forced activities.
- Encourage them to trust their instincts — if something feels wrong, it probably is.
- Create an exit plan — let them know they can leave at any time, no questions asked.
- Emphasize that reporting hazing is not “snitching” — it’s about protecting themselves and others.
- Let them know you support them unconditionally — they should never feel ashamed to come to you.
🏛️ New Mexico Colleges and Universities Near Otero County
While Otero County is home to New Mexico State University Alamogordo, students from Otero County often attend larger universities in nearby areas. These institutions have active Greek life programs where hazing is a known risk.
Universities Near Otero County with Greek Life
| University | Location | Greek Life Presence | Distance from Otero County |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico State University (NMSU) | Las Cruces, NM | Active fraternities and sororities | ~100 miles |
| University of New Mexico (UNM) | Albuquerque, NM | Active Greek life | ~200 miles |
| New Mexico Tech | Socorro, NM | Smaller Greek presence | ~150 miles |
| Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) | Portales, NM | Active Greek life | ~250 miles |
| University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) | El Paso, TX | Active Greek life | ~100 miles |
Otero County families: If your child attends any of these universities, they could be at risk of hazing.
National Fraternities with Chapters Near Otero County
| Fraternity | Chapters Near Otero County | Hazing History |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Yes (NMSU, UNM) | Our current $10M lawsuit; Andrew Coffey death (2017) |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Yes (NMSU, UNM) | Stone Foltz death (2021); $10.1M settlement |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Yes (NMSU) | Multiple hazing incidents nationwide |
| Phi Delta Theta | Yes (UNM) | Maxwell Gruver death (2017); $6.1M verdict |
| Beta Theta Pi | Yes (UNM) | Timothy Piazza death (2017); $110M+ settlement |
| Sigma Chi | Yes (NMSU) | Recent hazing lawsuit (2025) |
| Kappa Sigma | Yes (NMSU) | Multiple hazing incidents nationwide |
Otero County families: These are the same fraternities that have paid millions in hazing settlements. They operate near Otero County, and they pose the same risks.
📢 Message to Fraternities Operating Near Otero County
To the Fraternities, Sororities, and Universities Near Otero County:
We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters near Otero County.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — if your chapter operates near Otero County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston?
They’re now shut down. Their charter was surrendered. Criminal referrals have been initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.
That’s what happens when you haze near Otero County.
Your chapter could be next.
🎯 Our Mission for Otero County: End Hazing, One Case at a Time
We Don’t Just Represent Victims — We Change Culture
Every hazing case we take sends a message:
- To fraternities and sororities: Hazing will cost you millions.
- To universities: You have a duty to protect your students.
- To students: You have the right to be safe.
Our mission for Otero County:
- Hold all liable parties accountable — not just the local chapter, but the national organization, the university, and the individuals who participated.
- Secure maximum compensation for Otero County victims — to cover medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
- Create systemic change — through litigation, legislation, and public pressure.
- Protect the next student — so no Otero County family has to go through this again.
📞 Otero County Families: Your Legal Emergency Hotline Is Open
If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Otero County, call us now.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Available 24/7 for Otero County hazing emergencies.
We don’t get paid unless you get paid. No upfront cost. No risk.
Otero County Families Deserve Justice. We Fight for It.
Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
📍 Serving Otero County, New Mexico from Houston, Austin & Beaumont
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We protect victims like you throughout Otero County, New Mexico, and nationwide.
