🚨 Hazing Victims in Comanche County Deserve Justice
This Happened in Houston. It Could Happen in Comanche County. We Will Fight for Your Family.
At Attorney 911, we are currently representing Leonel Bermudez, a young man hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being subjected to torture-level hazing at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. He was waterboarded. Forced to do 500 squats. Struck with wooden paddles. Made to eat until he vomited. And now, he’s fighting for his life.
This isn’t just happening in Houston. The same fraternities operate at universities near Comanche County. The same “traditions” exist. The same negligence allows it to continue. If your child has been hazed in Comanche County, we will fight for you with the same fury we’re bringing to this case.
🏢 Who We Are — Comanche County’s Hazing Litigation Experts
Attorney 911 is a Texas-based personal injury and criminal defense law firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. While we serve clients nationwide, we are deeply committed to representing hazing victims in Comanche County and across Oklahoma.
Why Comanche County Families Choose Attorney 911
| Advantage | How It Helps Comanche County Victims |
|---|---|
| 25+ Years Courtroom Experience | Proven trial attorneys ready to fight for Comanche County families |
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how insurance companies and fraternities fight claims — and how to beat them |
| Federal Court Authority | Can pursue Comanche County cases in federal court when needed |
| Dual-State Bar Admission (TX & NY) | Strategic advantage against national fraternities headquartered in other states |
| Se Habla Español | Bilingual representation for Spanish-speaking families in Comanche County |
| Nationwide Hazing Expertise | Currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit — same strategies available for Comanche County victims |
| We Travel to Comanche County | For depositions, trials, and client meetings — distance is not a barrier |
Our Approach to Comanche County Hazing Cases
When a legal emergency hits — whether it’s on a Comanche County campus or anywhere in America — we move FIRST, FAST, and DECISIVELY.
For Comanche County hazing victims, we:
- Build cases with expert witnesses (medical, Greek life culture, institutional negligence)
- Preserve evidence immediately — texts, photos, medical records, witness statements
- Negotiate from strength — we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case
- Travel to Comanche County for depositions, meetings, and trials when needed
- Provide remote consultations — Comanche County families can video chat with our attorneys
- Work on contingency — $0 upfront cost; we don’t get paid unless you win
If a university, fraternity, or insurance company tries to silence Comanche County hazing victims, we take it to court.
🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Comanche County
Hazing isn’t just a problem at big Texas universities. It happens in Comanche County too. The same national fraternities that waterboarded our client in Houston have chapters at universities near Comanche County. The same “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez exist in Comanche County Greek life.
What Is Hazing?
Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, or maintaining membership in an organization.
This includes:
- Physical abuse (beatings, paddling, forced exercise to exhaustion)
- Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological torture (humiliation, degradation, threats)
- Sexual abuse
- Waterboarding or simulated drowning
- Exposure to extreme weather
Hazing in Oklahoma — The Statistics
While Oklahoma doesn’t publish statewide hazing statistics, we know from national data that:
- 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 U.S.
- 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it
Comanche County is not immune. If your child attends college near Comanche County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client.
⚠️ The Landmark Case: What Happened to Leonel Bermudez — And What It Means for Comanche County
This Case Shows Comanche County Families What Hazing Looks Like — And What We Do About It
Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al.
Filed: November 21, 2025 — Harris County Civil District Court
Damages Sought: $10,000,000
Attorneys: Ralph Manginello & Lupe Pena — Attorney 911
What Happened to Leonel Bermudez
Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston on September 16, 2025. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing that hospitalized him for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
The Hazing Activities:
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Waterboarding | Simulated waterboarding with a garden hose — sprayed in face while doing calisthenics |
| Wooden Paddles | Struck with wooden paddles |
| 500+ Squats | Forced to perform 500+ squats as punishment |
| 100+ Pushups | Forced to perform 100+ pushups |
| “Suicides” | High-volume running drills |
| Bear Crawls | Forced crawling on hands and feet |
| Forced Eating | Large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns consumed until vomiting |
| Post-Vomiting Continuation | Forced to continue running sprints while in physical distress after vomiting |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours |
| Psychological Torture | Forced to carry a fanny pack with objects of sexual nature; another pledge hog-tied face-down on table with object in mouth for over an hour |
| Threats | Threatened with physical punishment and/or expulsion for non-compliance |
The November 3, 2025 Incident:
Bermudez was punished for missing an event. He was forced to:
- Run a two-mile warmup
- Perform 100+ pushups
- Perform 500+ squats
- Do “suicides” (running drills)
- Bear crawls
- “Save-you-brother” drills
- Repeat 100-yard crawls
- Recite the fraternity creed while exercising
He was threatened with immediate expulsion if he stopped.
By the end, he was so exhausted he could not stand without help. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he was “really sore and couldn’t really move.” The day after that, his mother rushed him to the hospital. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure and spent three nights and four days in the hospital.
Why This Case Matters to Comanche County Families
- Pi Kappa Phi Has 150+ Chapters Across America — Including near Comanche County
- The Same Fraternities Operate in Comanche County — If it happened at UH, it can happen at universities near Comanche County
- Universities Near Comanche County Face the Same Liability — Institutional negligence isn’t limited to Texas
- This Could Happen to Your Child — Hazing doesn’t stop at state lines
- We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now — Comanche County families get the same aggressive representation
From Ralph Manginello to ABC13:
“When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”
From Lupe Pena to ABC13:
“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”
💰 Precedent Cases: Multi-Million Dollar Proof That Comanche County Victims Can Win
These Verdicts and Settlements Prove That Hazing Cases Win Big — And the Same Results Are Possible for Comanche County Victims
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Death; Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Death; Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Death; Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Death; Settlement | Confidential |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Death; Settlement | $4+ million |
Key Takeaway: Juries and institutions award millions in hazing cases. The same legal strategies apply to Comanche County.
⚖️ Legal Framework: Comanche County Victims’ Rights
Oklahoma Hazing Laws
Oklahoma has strong anti-hazing statutes that protect students:
Oklahoma Statutes § 21-1190 (Hazing Prohibited):
“Hazing” means an activity which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary educational institution.
Penalties:
- Misdemeanor — Up to 1 year in county jail and/or $500–$1,000 fine
- Felony — If hazing results in death or serious physical injury, up to 5 years in prison and/or $2,000–$10,000 fine
Consent Is Not a Defense:
“The implied or express consent of a person to hazing is not a defense to a prosecution under this section.”
Organizational Liability:
Organizations can be penalized with fines up to $10,000.
Civil Liability for Hazing in Oklahoma
Comanche County victims can sue for:
- Negligence — Duty of care, breach, causation, damages
- Assault and Battery — Intentional harmful or offensive contact
- Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress — Outrageous conduct causing severe distress
- Premises Liability — If hazing occurred on property owned or controlled by the university
- Negligent Supervision — Failure to monitor or control Greek organizations
Universities and national fraternities have deep pockets and insurance policies that can pay substantial settlements and verdicts.
📋 What Comanche County Families Should Do If Their Child Is Hazed
Step-by-Step Action Guide for Comanche County Hazing Victims
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ensure Safety | Remove victim from dangerous situation immediately |
| 2 | Seek Medical Attention | Even if injuries seem minor, document everything medically |
| 3 | Preserve Evidence | Photos, screenshots, physical items, clothing, medical records |
| 4 | DO NOT Talk to the Organization | They will try to control the narrative and minimize liability |
| 5 | DO NOT Post on Social Media | Anything you post can be used against you |
| 6 | Report to Authorities | Consider filing a police report; Oklahoma law requires reporting |
| 7 | Contact an Attorney | Free consultations available; know your rights |
| 8 | Document Everything | Keep a journal of symptoms, medical visits, and impact on daily life |
Evidence Preservation Checklist for Comanche County Victims
✅ Medical Records — Hospital records, ER visits, doctor notes, therapy records
✅ Photos/Videos — Injuries at all stages of healing, hazing activities if any exist
✅ Communications — Text messages, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails
✅ Witness Information — Names and contact info of other pledges, witnesses, bystanders
✅ Documents — Pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to you
✅ Financial Records — Medical bills, lost wages, tuition/fees paid
✅ Academic Records — Impact on grades, enrollment, scholarships
DO NOT:
- Delete any messages or posts
- Talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel
- Sign anything from the organization
- Give statements to university administration alone
💔 Who Is Liable? Everyone Who Participated or Allowed It
In Our Pi Kappa Phi Case, We Are Suing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi National | Failed to supervise chapter despite knowledge of “hazing crisis” |
| Beta Nu Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing activities |
| Housing Corporation | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred |
| University of Houston | Owned fraternity house; failed to prevent hazing |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing |
| Former Members | Hazing occurred at their residence |
| Spouse of Former Member | Allowed hazing at residence; premises liability |
For Comanche County Cases, We Will Pursue:
- The local chapter that conducted the hazing
- The national fraternity/sorority organization
- The university if they owned or controlled the property
- Individual members who participated
- Anyone who facilitated or allowed the hazing to occur
The deep pockets are the national organizations and universities — they have the insurance and assets to pay significant settlements.
📞 Comanche County Families: You Are Not Alone. Call Us Now.
Free Consultation — 24/7 — Comanche County Hazing Victims
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We work on contingency — $0 upfront cost for Comanche County families. We don’t get paid unless you win.
We Serve Comanche County Hazing Victims Nationwide
While we are based in Texas, hazing happens at colleges and universities across America — including near Comanche County. We can evaluate your case regardless of location through:
- Federal court authority — Pursue cases in federal jurisdiction when needed
- Dual-state bar licenses — Texas and New York
- Video consultations — Comanche County families can meet with us remotely
- Travel commitment — We come to Comanche County for depositions and trials
Hazing isn’t limited to Greek life. We represent victims of hazing in:
- Fraternities and sororities near Comanche County
- Comanche County sports teams
- Marching bands at Comanche County universities
- ROTC programs in Comanche County
- Clubs and organizations at Comanche County schools
- Military academies
- Any organization that uses abuse as “initiation”
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comanche County Hazing Victims
Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to report it. What should I do?
A: We understand the fear of retaliation and social ostracism. However, Oklahoma law requires reporting of hazing, and delaying can jeopardize your legal rights. The statute of limitations in Oklahoma is typically 2 years from the date of injury. Every day you wait is a day closer to losing your legal rights. We can help protect your child’s identity and guide them through the process with minimal exposure.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the activities. Can they still sue?
A: YES. Oklahoma law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, they cannot consent to being a victim of a crime. The law is clear: hazing is illegal regardless of consent.
Q: We’re in Comanche County. Can you really help us from Texas?
A: Absolutely. We have successfully represented clients across America, including in states far from Texas. We offer:
- Video consultations — Meet with us remotely
- Phone consultations — Available 24/7
- Travel to Comanche County — For depositions, trials, and client meetings
- Federal court authority — Can pursue your case in federal jurisdiction
- Nationwide network — Local experts and investigators in Oklahoma
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911 for a hazing case?
A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:
- You pay nothing to hire us
- We only get paid if we win your case
- Our fee is a percentage of the recovery
- If we don’t win, you owe us nothing
This allows Comanche County families to fight powerful institutions without financial risk.
Q: What kind of compensation can Comanche County hazing victims receive?
Comanche County victims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses — Hospital bills, therapy, future treatment
- Lost wages — Time missed from work or school
- Pain and suffering — Physical and emotional trauma
- Punitive damages — To punish egregious conduct and deter future hazing
- Educational disruption — Impact on academic performance and opportunities
In our current case, we are seeking $10 million — and precedent cases show that multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts are possible.
Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?
The timeline varies by case complexity, but most hazing cases settle within 12-24 months. Factors that may extend the timeline include:
- Severity of injuries
- Number of defendants
- Willingness of defendants to settle
- Need for litigation and trial
We work diligently to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.
Q: Will the fraternity or university retaliate against my child if we sue?
A: Retaliation is illegal, and we take steps to protect our clients, including:
- Confidentiality agreements — Protect your child’s identity
- Legal protections — Retaliation can lead to additional lawsuits
- Media strategy — Control the narrative to minimize exposure
- University pressure — Demand non-retaliation as part of settlement
Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution” — we understand this fear and will protect your child.
Q: What if my child is an international student? Can they still sue?
A: Yes. Your child’s immigration status does not affect their right to compensation. We have experience representing international students and can guide you through the process with sensitivity to immigration concerns.
Q: The university says they had no knowledge of the hazing. Can we still sue?
A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm. Even if they claim ignorance, we can prove:
- Pattern of hazing at the university
- Prior incidents that should have put them on notice
- Failure to supervise Greek life organizations
- Ownership of property where hazing occurred
In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred — they cannot claim ignorance.
Q: What if my child participated in some of the activities? Does that prevent us from suing?
A: No. Even if your child participated in some activities, they may still have a valid claim, especially if:
- They were coerced or threatened
- The activities exceeded what was described or expected
- They were under the influence of alcohol provided by the organization
- They were not fully informed of the risks
Oklahoma law recognizes that consent is not a defense to hazing — the focus is on the conduct of the organization, not the victim.
🏛️ The Universities Near Comanche County — Greek Life and Hazing Risks
Comanche County is home to several colleges and universities, and many more are within driving distance. Nearly all have active Greek life organizations with documented hazing histories nationwide.
Universities Near Comanche County with Greek Life
| University | Location | Greek Life Presence | Hazing Risk Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cameron University | Lawton, OK (~10 miles from Comanche County) | Active fraternities and sororities | Potential hazing culture |
| University of Oklahoma | Norman, OK (~90 miles) | Large Greek system (50+ chapters) | Multiple hazing incidents documented nationally |
| Oklahoma State University | Stillwater, OK (~120 miles) | Large Greek system (40+ chapters) | Hazing deaths in national news |
| Southwestern Oklahoma State University | Weatherford, OK (~80 miles) | Active Greek life | Smaller system, but hazing still occurs |
| Oklahoma City University | Oklahoma City, OK (~90 miles) | Active Greek life | Potential for hazing in smaller chapters |
Key Message: The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in hazing settlements operate chapters at universities near Comanche County. Your child faces the same risks.
🔥 Message to Fraternities Near Comanche County: We Are Watching
To the fraternities operating near Comanche County:
We are watching. We are documenting. We are building cases.
The same legal strategies that secured $10 million settlements in other states apply to your chapters. The same precedent cases that held fraternities accountable nationwide will be used against you in Oklahoma.
If your chapter harms students in Comanche County, we will pursue:
- The university for failing to protect students
- Your national organization for failing to supervise
- Your housing corporation for premises liability
- Individual members for assault and battery
- Every entity with insurance to maximize recovery
Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? SHUT DOWN. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. $10 million lawsuit pending.
That’s what happens when you haze in Oklahoma.
📢 Enough Is Enough — Comanche County Families Deserve Justice
This isn’t “boys being boys.” This isn’t “tradition.” This isn’t “building brotherhood.”
This is:
- Assault
- Battery
- Torture
- Reckless endangerment
- Sometimes manslaughter
- Sometimes murder
Comanche County families: Your child trusted these organizations. They trusted that universities would keep them safe. That trust was betrayed.
We are here to turn that betrayal into accountability.
If your child has been hazed in Comanche County, call us now. We will fight for you.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Free consultation. $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you win.
🏆 Why Comanche County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1. We Are Currently Fighting This Battle — Right Now
We are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical — we’re in the fight right now. Comanche County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. We Know How to Win Against Powerful Institutions
Universities and national fraternities have:
- In-house legal departments
- Insurance company lawyers
- Risk management professionals
- Crisis PR teams
We know how they operate. Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are both former insurance defense attorneys — we’ve seen their playbook from the inside. Now we use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for victims.
3. We Have a Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results
We have secured millions of dollars for clients in personal injury cases, including:
- BP Texas City explosion litigation — Mass tort experience against major corporations
- Wrongful death cases — Representing families who lost loved ones
- Catastrophic injury cases — Including rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
- Federal court cases — Leveraging federal jurisdiction for nationwide reach
4. We Understand Greek Life Culture
Ralph Manginello is a former athlete and youth coach — he understands team dynamics, locker room culture, and the pressures young people face. This insight helps us build stronger cases and connect with juries.
5. We Travel to Comanche County
We come to Comanche County for:
- Client meetings
- Depositions
- Trials
- Investigations
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
6. We Offer Bilingual Representation
Se habla español. We provide comprehensive legal services to Spanish-speaking clients, including:
- Consultations in Spanish
- Document translation
- Courtroom interpretation
- Eliminating language barriers to justice
7. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront Cost
We understand that Comanche County families may be facing medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. We take hazing cases on contingency — you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
8. We Are Committed to Ending Hazing in Comanche County
We don’t just want to win your case. We want to end hazing in Comanche County. Every case we take sends a message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations that this behavior will not be tolerated.
From Lupe Pena:
“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do.”
🏁 Final Message to Comanche County Families
Your child didn’t deserve this.
What happened to them was not “tradition.” It was not “bonding.” It was not “building character.”
It was abuse. It was assault. It may have been criminal.
You have the right to seek justice. You have the right to hold those responsible accountable. You have the right to compensation for the harm done to your child.
You are not alone. We are fighting this battle right now — and we will fight for you.
Call us today. Let’s bring them to justice.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Free consultation. $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you win.
© 2025 Attorney 911 Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Comanche County and Nationwide | Hazing Victims Deserve Justice