If you are reading this, a terrifying moment may have just become a reality for your family in Guam. Your child, perhaps full of hopes for college life, may have encountered the dark side of campus culture through hazing. Instead of friendship, they found abuse. Instead of camaraderie, they found cruelty. And now, you are navigating anger, fear, and a desperate search for help.

We understand what you’re going through. We are Attorney 911, and we are here to help families in Guam fight back against the institutions and individuals responsible for hazing injuries. Our firm is built on aggressive representation of hazing victims, a data-driven litigation strategy, and an unwavering commitment to accountability. We bring the same relentless pursuit of justice to every client, whether they are in Houston, Texas, or on the beautiful shores of Guam. While our headquarters are in Houston, our reach and our resolve are nationwide. We handle hazing cases across America, and we are ready to stand with you and your family right here in Guam.

⚠️ THE LANDMARK CASE: WE ARE FIGHTING THIS BATTLE RIGHT NOW

The scourge of hazing is a national crisis, and its ugly face can be seen from bustling mainland cities to the tranquil islands of Guam. What happened recently in Houston illustrates precisely what we mean. Please read Leonel Bermudez’s story, because it is a stark warning for parents in Guam. This $10 million lawsuit, filed in November 2025 by Attorney 911 in Harris County, Texas, against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members, is not just a case; it is the embodiment of our mission. It demonstrates that we are not theoretical; we are actively fighting, right now, to hold those responsible for hazing accountable.

Leonel Bermudez was not even officially a student at the University of Houston yet; he was a “ghost rush,” planning to transfer for an upcoming semester. Yet, members of Pi Kappa Phi subjected him to weeks of systematic abuse that culminated in a horrifying incident just three weeks before this article was written. He was waterboarded with a garden hose, hog-tied, forced to eat until he vomited, subjected to psychological torture, sleep deprivation, and such extreme physical exertion that his muscles broke down and his kidneys failed. He spent four days in the hospital with severe rhabdomyolysis.

Within weeks of his ordeal being reported, the Pi Kappa Phi chapter was suspended, its members voted to surrender their charter, and the chapter was permanently closed. Criminal referrals were initiated. But this was not enough for Leonel or for us. Attorney 911 filed a $10 million lawsuit, leaving no stone unturned as we named the university, the national fraternity, its housing corporation, and 13 individual members. This case is proof that Attorney 911 is not hypothetical. We are on the front lines, actively fighting for victims, and we will bring this same level of aggression and expertise to hazing cases in Guam.

📰 Media Coverage of the Bermudez Case: A Public Warning

The legal battle for Leonel Bermudez has garnered significant media attention, bringing the hidden horrors of hazing to public light. This media coverage validates the severity of the incident and reinforces the aggressive stance our firm takes.

• ABC13 Houston reported on November 21-22, 2025, detailing how “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges.” You can find their full report here: Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges
• KHOU 11 covered the story on November 21, 2025, with the headline, “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations.” This report explicitly named Leonel Bermudez as the plaintiff.
• Houston Chronicle followed up on November 22, 2025, also detailing the “UH fraternity hazing lawsuit.”
• Houston Public Media further clarified on November 24, 2025, that “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing.”
• Notably, Pi Kappa Phi National itself issued a statement on November 21, 2025, titled “Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston,” found on their official website: Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston

These reports are vital. They are not merely news; they are a public testament to the egregious nature of modern hazing and the immediate, powerful legal response it demands. For families in Guam, this case is a clear signal: hazing is a severe threat, and formidable legal avenues exist to fight it.

💰 The $10 Million Lawsuit: Who We Are Holding Accountable

The lawsuit filed by Attorney 911 lists numerous defendants, demonstrating our comprehensive approach to targeting every entity and individual responsible for Leonel’s suffering. Our goal is not just to secure compensation, but to create a ripple effect of accountability that makes such abuses unthinkable. We are seeking $10,000,000 in damages.

The Defendants:

• Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity: The national organization, which despite having chapters on over 150 campuses across America (including those near Guam), failed to properly oversee its local chapters and enforce anti-hazing policies, despite alleged knowledge of a widespread “hazing crisis.”
• University of Houston and UH Board of Regents: The academic institution and its governing body, which owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place and allegedly failed to provide adequate supervision and protection for students, despite a prior hazing incident on campus in 2017 involving another fraternity that resulted in a student’s hospitalization.
• Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi: The local chapter directly responsible for organizing and conducting the hazing activities.
• Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation: The entity responsible for the fraternity property, which allowed the hazing to occur on its premises.
• 13 Individual Fraternity Members: This includes the chapter president, the pledgemaster (the member directly in charge of the pledge process and often the instigator of hazing), current members who actively participated in or condoned the hazing, former members who hosted hazing events at their private residences, and even a spouse of a former member for allowing hazing on their property. This expansive list shows our commitment to holding every culpable party, regardless of their role, fully accountable.

This case is a battle for justice, and it’s happening right now. It is happening in Houston, but its implications resonate everywhere, including here in Guam. The same national fraternities operate at institutions near Guam. The same patterns of institutional negligence can occur at universities and colleges educating students from Guam. And the same unwavering legal fight that we’re bringing to Houston, we will bring to you in Guam.

The Horrific Hazing of Leonel Bermudez: A Warning for Guam Families

Leonel Bermudez was supposed to be embarking on an exciting new chapter of his life, transferring to the University of Houston. Instead, from September 16, 2025, to November 3, 2025, his pledge period evolved into a prolonged nightmare of systematic abuse.

The Hazing Timeline:

• September 16, 2025: Leonel Bermudez accepts a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi, full of optimism for a new college experience.
• September 16 – November 3, 2025: What followed was weeks of escalating, brutal hazing—a continuous cycle of torture, humiliation, and extreme physical demands.
• October 13, 2025: In a particularly chilling incident, another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. This illustrates the depraved nature of the fraternity’s “traditions.”
• October 15, 2025: A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during forced workouts. Instead of calling for medical help, other pledges were forced to physically elevate his legs until he recovered. This near-tragedy was a clear warning ignored.
• November 3, 2025 (The Climax): Leonel was subjected to a punishment for missing an event. This included over 100 push-ups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warm-ups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was forced to recite the fraternity creed under duress, all while being threatened with immediate expulsion if he stopped. He was pushed to such extremes that he could not stand without help, crawling into his home upon return.
• November 4-5, 2025: Leonel was unable to move, his condition worsening each day. As Ralph Manginello recounted 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.”
• November 6, 2025: Leonel’s mother rushed him to the hospital. He was passing brown urine, a terrifying sign of muscle breakdown. He received a life-saving diagnosis of severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
• November 6-10, 2025: Leonel was hospitalized for three nights and four days, undergoing intensive treatment for his life-threatening injuries.
• November 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi National officially closed its Beta Nu Chapter, an action they took before our lawsuit was filed, clearly anticipating legal repercussions.
• November 21, 2025: Attorney 911 filed the $10 million lawsuit, bringing Leonel’s story to national attention.

Attorney Lupe Pena declared, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” This sentiment drives us as we extend our services to families in Guam who face similar tragedies.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond Pranks

The public often misunderstands hazing, viewing it as harmless pranks or rites of passage. Leonel Bermudez’s experience shatters this misconception. This is what modern hazing looks like, and it could happen to a student from Guam attending college anywhere:

• Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” hosed directly in the face while doing strenuous calisthenics, and repeatedly threatened with this torture if he failed to meet impossible demands. Houston Public Media rightly characterized this as “a form of torture.”
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: He was compelled to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Even then, his tormentors forced him to run sprints while clearly in distress, sometimes making him lie in his own vomit-soaked grass.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: The November 3rd hazing session included over 100 push-ups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, and wheelbarrows. He was struck with wooden paddles. These activities pushed him beyond physical limits, causing his body to break down. Another pledge had already collapsed and lost consciousness from similar workouts just weeks prior.
• Psychological Torture & Humiliation: He was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather, carry a demeaning fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature, and was constantly degraded. The emotional scars from such humiliation can last a lifetime.
• Sleep Deprivation & Exhaustion: Forced early-morning drives for fraternity members led to chronic exhaustion, further compromising his physical and mental state.

His medical outcome, severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, are direct consequences of this brutal treatment. Rhabdomyolysis, the breakdown of muscle tissue releasing harmful proteins into the blood, can lead to permanent kidney damage or death. Leonel’s brown urine and profoundly high creatine kinase levels were clear indicators of his body shutting down. This is the same critical medical condition that Attorney 911 has successfully litigated in the past; Ralph Manginello possesses specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases.

Institutional Betrayal: Both the University and Fraternity Knew

The details emerging from the Bermudez case expose a pattern of institutional negligence that extends far beyond a few rogue students. Both the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi National knew hazing was a problem.

• Pi Kappa Phi’s Own Admission: On November 21, 2025, just as the lawsuit was filed, Pi Kappa Phi National issued a statement on their website, announcing the closure of the Beta Nu chapter. In their own words, the closure was “following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” This is a public admission of wrongdoing and policy failures, made before the legal filing. Their statement also starkly revealed their lack of remorse, declaring, “we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time,” even as Leonel was recovering from kidney failure.
• University of Houston’s Complicity: The University of Houston spokesperson acknowledged the events as “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation of our community standards,” and mentioned “potential criminal charges.” Critically, KHOU 11 reported that the hazing occurred in a “University-owned fraternity house.” This establishes a clear case of premises liability against the university, which owned the very property where a student was tortured. Furthermore, the University of Houston had prior knowledge of severe hazing on its campus. In 2017, a University of Houston student pledged to Pi Kappa Alpha was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen due to hazing. The university had eight years to implement effective safeguards and failed to do so.

This is not a tale of isolated incidents. It is a damning chronicle of systemic failure, where institutions chose to protect their reputations rather than their students. This institutional negligence is not confined to Houston; it is a nationwide problem that students from Guam could face at any university they choose to attend.

Why This Case Matters to Families in Guam

The Bermudez case serves as a critical warning and a beacon of hope for families in Guam:

1. “Tradition” is Torture: It shatters the myth that hazing is harmless. These are not pranks but systematic abuse that can cause life-threatening injuries. The same brutal “traditions” can exist at institutions near Guam.
2. Universities are Complicit: The University of Houston’s ownership of the fraternity house and their failure to prevent hazing despite prior incidents clearly establishes institutional liability. Universities educate students from Guam and have the same legal duties, and face the same liability, when they fail to protect them.
3. National Organizations Are Not Ignorant: Pi Kappa Phi National’s swift closure of the chapter and their prior history (a Pi Kappa Phi chapter was involved in the 2017 death of Andrew Coffey at FSU) prove that national organizations are aware of their chapters’ dangerous cultures. The national fraternities operating at institutions where students from Guam attend often operate under the same framework.
4. Victims Are Afraid, But Not Alone: Leonel Bermudez was “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” This fear is a common and powerful tactic used by perpetrators. We recognize and protect our clients who bravely come forward. Students from Guam facing similar fears are not alone; we stand with them.
5. One Brave Victim Protects Others: As Lupe Pena stated, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do.” By pursuing justice for your child, families in Guam can contribute to safeguarding countless other students.
6. $10 Million Sends a Message: The significant damages sought in this lawsuit send an undeniable message to fraternities and universities: abuse will not be tolerated, and it will be met with severe financial consequences. Families in Guam have the power to send this same message.

WHAT HAZING REALLY LOOKS LIKE: A GUIDE FOR GUAM FAMILIES

Hazing is not a joke. It is not a test of loyalty. It is abuse, plain and simple, and it has devastating consequences. For families in Guam, understanding the true nature of hazing, beyond the stereotypical “pranks,” is crucial to protecting your children. The incidents in the Bermudez case are unfortunately commonplace, replicated in various forms across colleges and universities, including those that students from Guam may attend.

The Many Faces of Hazing: What to Watch For

Hazing encompasses a wide array of activities, all designed to degrade, control, and inflict suffering. They fall into several categories:

1. Physical Abuse

This category involves direct physical harm, often pushing individuals beyond their physical limits or causing overt injury.

• Extreme Physical Exertion: Forced calisthenics (like the 500 squats and 100+ push-ups Leonel endured), high-volume running drills (“suicides”), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and other strenuous activities until exhaustion, collapse, or injury. This directly caused Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
• Beatings and Paddling: Being struck with objects, such as wooden paddles, as Leonel Bermudez was. This is outright assault.
• Branding and Burning: Inflicting burns or permanent marks on the body.
• Sleep Deprivation: Forcing pledges to stay awake for extended periods, disrupting sleep patterns, or demanding early morning tasks that lead to chronic exhaustion, as Bermudez experienced with early morning driving errands.
• Exposure to Elements: Leaving individuals in cold weather with minimal clothing, or spraying them with water, such as Leonel’s waterboarding with a garden hose or being forced to strip in cold weather. This also includes confinement in small, uncomfortable spaces.
• Forced Consumption: This includes forced binge drinking (a common cause of hazing deaths), consuming large amounts of non-alcoholic substances until vomiting (like Bermudez’s experience with milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns), or ingesting foul or dangerous substances.

2. Psychological Torture & Humiliation

Often overlooked but equally damaging, psychological hazing targets a victim’s mental and emotional well-being.

• Degradation and Demeaning Tasks: Being forced to wear absurd or degrading clothing, or carrying humiliating items, like the fanny pack with sexual objects Leonel had to carry.
• Isolation and Exclusion: Deliberately excluding pledges from social interaction or communication with outside world.
• Verbal Abuse and Threats: Constant yelling, belittling, insults, intimidating threats of physical harm, or expulsion from the group for non-compliance, which Leonel faced.
• Forced Servitude: Being compelled to run errands, clean, or serve active members, often at odd hours, disrupting studies and sleep.
• Manipulation and Mind Games: Creating an environment of fear, uncertainty, and dependence on the group.

3. Sexual Abuse

This abhorrent category of hazing involves forced sexual acts, nudity, or sexually degrading activities. While less frequently publicized, incidents of sexual hazing are deeply traumatic. The requirement for Leonel to carry a “fanny pack that held objects of a sexual nature” is a clear example of sexually explicit humiliation, if not outright sexual hazing.

The Deadly Consequences: Why Hazing is a Crime

Hazing is far from harmless; it can lead to severe injuries, lasting trauma, and even death.

• Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure: As tragically suffered by Leonel Bermudez. This can cause permanent kidney damage or death.
• Alcohol Poisoning: The most common cause of hazing deaths, often resulting from forced rapid consumption of large quantities of alcohol, as seen in the tragic deaths of Andrew Coffey, Max Gruver, and Timothy Piazza.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From falls, beatings, or other physical assaults.
• Heatstroke/Hypothermia: From extreme exposure or physical exertion in inappropriate conditions.
• Internal Injuries: From physical abuse or forced consumption.
• Psychological Trauma: Including severe Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, which can plague victims for years or a lifetime.
• Death: Every year, hazing claims lives, turning college dreams into family nightmares.

The Culture of Silence and Fear

One of the most insidious aspects of hazing is the culture of silence it fosters. Victims and witnesses are often coerced, threatened, or manipulated into keeping silent. Leonel Bermudez, even after being hospitalized, was “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” This fear is real. Perpetrators instill fear of social ostracization, expulsion from the group, academic consequences, and further physical harm. This pervasive fear is why most hazing incidents go unreported.

For families in Guam, recognizing these signs and understanding the pressures your child may face is the first step toward getting help. What happened to Leonel Bermudez is not an isolated incident; it’s a symptom of a deeply entrenched, dangerous culture that Attorney 911 is committed to dismantling, campus by campus, case by case.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE? HOLDING EVERY CULPABLE PARTY ACCOUNTABLE FOR HAZING IN GUAM

When hazing leaves a student from Guam injured or dead, the blame extends far beyond the individual students directly involved. Our data-driven litigation strategy focuses on holding every responsible party accountable, from the students who inflict the abuse to the national organizations and universities that enable it. Our goal is to leverage the full power of the law to achieve justice for victims and to send an unequivocal message that such conduct will not be tolerated.

The Multi-Layered Defendants in Hazing Cases

We identify and pursue all potential defendants, recognizing that each has a role in controlling or preventing hazing.

1. The Local Chapter and Its Members: The Direct Perpetrators

The immediate actors in any hazing incident are the members of the local fraternity or sorority chapter.

• Individual Student Perpetrators: These are the students who actively plan, participate in, or condone the hazing activities. This includes the chapter’s “pledgemaster” (or equivalent role) who often orchestrates the pledge process. We named 13 individuals in the Bermudez lawsuit, ranging from the president to general members.
  • Basis for Liability: Assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, and—in cases of death or severe injury—criminal charges. As seen in the Stone Foltz case, individual perpetrators, including chapter presidents, can be held personally liable for millions of dollars.
• Chapter Officers: The president, pledgemaster, risk manager, and other elected or appointed officers have a heightened duty to ensure the safety of pledges and adherence to anti-hazing policies. Their leadership roles make them directly responsible for the culture and actions within the chapter.
  • Basis for Liability: Direct participation, negligent supervision, and vicarious liability for the actions of members under their authority.
• The Chapter Entity Itself: The local chapter, as an unincorporated association or recognized student organization, can be sued directly.
  • Basis for Liability: Direct liability for organizing hazing, negligent supervision of its members, and maintaining a dangerous environment.

2. The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization: The “Deep Pockets”

National Greek letter organizations are powerful entities with substantial resources and a legal obligation to oversee their chapters. They often provide insurance coverage, training, and policy guidelines.

• Basis for Liability:
  • Negligent Supervision: Failure to adequately train, supervise, or monitor their local chapters, allowing hazing to persist.
  • Failure to Enforce Policies: Despite anti-hazing policies on paper, a failure to proactively investigate or punish hazing when it occurs. The KHOU 11 report on the Bermudez case specifically noted allegations that the national organization “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'”
  • Vicarious Liability: Being held responsible for the actions of their local chapters as their agents.
  • Foreseeability/Pattern of Negligence: Critically, if a national organization has a history of hazing incidents (like Pi Kappa Phi did with Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017), it proves they had actual knowledge of the risks but failed to act, bolstering claims for punitive damages.

3. The University or College: The Ultimate Authority

Universities and colleges have a fundamental duty to provide a safe educational environment for their students, including students from Guam. They exert immense control over Greek life and campus activities.

• Basis for Liability:
  • Negligent Supervision: Failure to oversee Greek life organizations operating on their campus, or failure to intervene when hazing is reported or suspected.
  • Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on university-owned property (like the “University-owned fraternity house” in the Bermudez case), the institution can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
  • Failure to Discipline: Inadequate disciplinary action against hazing perpetrators or chapters, sending a message that hazing will be tolerated.
  • Failure to Warn: Not adequately warning students and parents about known hazing risks in specific organizations or within Greek life generally.
  • Title IX Violations: In cases involving sexual hazing, universities may face liability under Title IX for failing to respond appropriately to complaints of sexual discrimination or harassment.

4. Housing Corporations and Alumni Boards: The Financial Backers

Many fraternities and sororities have separate corporate entities that own or manage their housing facilities. Alumni boards often fund and advise local chapters.

• Basis for Liability:
  • Premises Liability: For the housing corporation that owns the property where hazing occurs, similar to the University’s liability if they own the property.
  • Negligent Supervision/Control: For alumni boards that provide funding or advisory roles to chapters but fail to prevent hazing.

5. Other Individuals: Hosts and Enablers

Sometimes, hazing occurs at private residences, as it did in the Bermudez case with one of the former members and his spouse.

• Basis for Liability:
  • Premises Liability: For property owners who knowingly allow dangerous activities like hazing to occur on their premises.
  • Aiding and Abetting: For individuals who facilitate hazing by providing locations, alcohol, or turning a blind eye to abuse.
  • Dram Shop Liability: If alcohol is supplied to minors or obviously intoxicated individuals, and that leads to injury, those who provided the alcohol may be liable.

The Strategy for Guam Families: Data-Driven Accountability

Our firm, Attorney 911, utilizes a unique, data-driven approach to identify all liable parties. We maintain an extensive intelligence database on Greek organizations, allowing us to pinpoint legal names, EINs, and corporate structures. This thoroughness ensures that when hazing impacts a student from Guam, we don’t guess; we know exactly who we need to sue.

Just as we pursued the university, the national fraternity, its housing corporation, and 13 individuals in the Bermudez case, we meticulously investigate every hazing incident to cast the widest possible net of accountability. Our legal team is unwavering in its commitment to securing justice for victims and ensuring that everyone responsible pays the price for their negligence and abuse.

WHAT THESE CASES WIN: MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR PROOF FOR GUAM FAMILIES

The statistics and stories of devastating hazing don’t tell the full story without also including the significant victories achieved by courageous families who fought back. Hazing victims and their families in Guam need to know that these cases are winnable, and juries and courts are increasingly willing to award multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements to punish the responsible parties. The power of these precedents underpins our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez.

Landmark Hazing Case Victories: A Call for Accountability

Here are some of the most prominent multi-million dollar hazing cases that have reshaped the legal landscape and demonstrate what is possible for victims from Guam:

1. Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

Total Payout: Over $10.1 Million

• What Happened: In March 2021, 20-year-old Stone Foltz, a pledge at Bowling Green State University’s Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE) fraternity, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a hazing ritual. He was then left unconscious and died three days later from alcohol poisoning.
• The Outcome: The Foltz family secured a $2.9 million settlement from Bowling Green State University and a combined $7.2 million from the national Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and several individuals, totaling over $10.1 million. In a groundbreaking December 2024 judgment, a former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was ordered to pay the Foltz family $6.5 million personally for his role in the hazing. Multiple criminal convictions were also secured.
• Relevance for Guam: This case proves that both universities and national fraternities are willing to pay significant sums to avoid trial. It also shows that culpable individuals, like chapter officers, face substantial personal financial exposure. Our demand for $10 million in the Bermudez case is directly aligned with this recent, real-world precedent. The same aggressive litigation strategies used here can be applied to hazing cases in Guam.

2. Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017)

Total Verdict: $6.1 Million

• What Happened: In September 2017, Maxwell Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman pledge at LSU’s Phi Delta Theta fraternity, was forced to participate in a hazing ritual called “Bible Study,” where he was made to chug excessive amounts of alcohol if he answered questions incorrectly. He died from acute alcohol poisoning with a blood alcohol content of 0.495—more than six times the legal limit.
• The Outcome: The Gruver family was awarded a $6.1 million jury verdict against the fraternity and its members. Several fraternity members faced criminal charges, including a conviction for negligent homicide. The tragic death also led to the passage of the “Max Gruver Act” in Louisiana, making hazing a felony offense.
• Relevance for Guam: This verdict demonstrates a jury’s willingness to hold fraternities liable for multi-million dollar damages. Hazing often involves forced alcohol consumption, a direct parallel to incidents that could occur at educational institutions students from Guam attend. Even if specific Guam laws are different, the civil liability principles are similar.

3. Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)

Total Settlement: Over $110 Million (Estimated)

• What Happened: In February 2017, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza, a pledge at Penn State’s Beta Theta Pi fraternity, was pressured into a deadly drinking gauntlet, consuming 18 drinks in 82 minutes. He sustained a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after falling down stairs, and fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911. He later died.
• The Outcome: The Piazza family reached a significant confidential settlement, widely reported to be in excess of $110 million, with Penn State and the national Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Multiple fraternity members were charged criminally, with several convictions for involuntary manslaughter and hazing. Pennsylvania subsequently passed the “Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.”
• Relevance for Guam: This landmark case, involving overwhelming evidence (captured on security cameras), shows that when institutions are grossly negligent, damages can reach staggering figures. It emphasizes that a meticulous collection of evidence, like that being compiled in the Bermudez case, is crucial for securing maximum compensation.

4. Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017)

The Same National Fraternity as in the Bermudez Case

• What Happened: In November 2017, 20-year-old Andrew Coffey, a pledge at Florida State University’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter, died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a hazing event.
• The Outcome: Nine fraternity members faced criminal charges. The FSU chapter of Pi Kappa Phi was permanently closed. The Coffey family also reached a civil settlement (confidential amount).
• Relevance for Guam: This case is particularly damning for Pi Kappa Phi National, as it proves they had actual knowledge of deadly hazing within their chapters eight years before Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized. This establishes a pattern of negligence and deliberate indifference, directly strengthening our argument for punitive damages in the Bermudez case and any future hazing litigation involving Pi Kappa Phi where students from Guam are victims.

5. Adam Oakes — Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021)

Total Settlement: Over $4 Million

• What Happened: In February 2021, 19-year-old Adam Oakes, a Delta Chi pledge at VCU, died from alcohol poisoning after a fraternity hazing event involving forced drinking.
• The Outcome: The Oakes family filed a $28 million lawsuit and settled for over $4 million in October 2024. Six fraternity members faced criminal charges. The tragedy led to “Adam’s Law” in Virginia.
• Relevance for Guam: Another recent, significant settlement in a hazing death case, cementing the trend of multi-million dollar accountability.

The Message to Guam: Hazing Has a High Price

These cases send an undeniable message to fraternities, universities, and Greek-letter organizations that operate in or near Guam:

• Hazing is Foreseeable: With this extensive history, no institution can claim ignorance of the dangers.
• Accountability is Multi-Layered: Universities, national fraternities, and individual perpetrators all face liability.
• Damages Are Substantial: Juries and courts are awarding millions to families of hazing victims.
• Justice Can Drive Change: These cases often lead to stricter anti-hazing laws and greater institutional oversight.

For families in Guam, these precedents are not just statistics; they are proof that justice is within reach. They show that standing up for your child can not only secure necessary compensation but also contribute to a safer future for all students. We will leverage every single one of these landmark cases to fight for the greatest possible recovery for your child’s hazing injuries in Guam.

TEXAS LAW PROTECTS YOU: WHAT GUAM FAMILIES NEED TO KNOW

Understanding the legal framework surrounding hazing is crucial for families in Guam seeking justice. While our firm is based in Texas, the core principles of hazing law and civil liability apply nationwide. Most states have anti-hazing statutes, and our federal court authority allows us to pursue justice in federal jurisdictions, no matter where the hazing occurred in Guam or across the United States.

Texas Anti-Hazing Laws: A Model for Accountability

Texas has robust anti-hazing laws, codified in the Texas Education Code (§ 37.151-37.157), that define hazing, outline criminal penalties, and specify organizational and institutional responsibilities. These laws reflect a nationwide understanding of hazing as a serious crime, not a rite of passage.

What is Hazing Under Texas Law? (§ 37.151)

Texas law comprehensively defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of affiliation or membership in an organization, if the act:

1. Is Physical Brutality: Such as whipping, beating, striking (like being hit with wooden paddles as Leonel was), branding, electronic shocking, or placing harmful substances on the body.
2. Endangers Health or Safety: Involves sleep deprivation (as with Leonel’s forced early-morning driving), exposure to the elements (being stripped in cold weather, waterboarding), confinement in small spaces, or calisthenics (like Leonel’s 500 squats) or other similar activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affects mental or physical health or safety. This directly covers Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
3. Involves Harmful Consumption: Requires consuming food, liquid, alcohol (like the forced eating Leonel endured), drugs, or any substance that poses an unreasonable risk of harm or negatively impacts health.
4. Violates the Penal Code: Requires or induces the student to perform a duty that violates the Penal Code (e.g., assault, public intoxication, theft).
5. Involves Coerced Drug or Alcohol Consumption: Coercing a student to consume drugs or an amount of alcohol that would lead a reasonable person to believe the student is intoxicated.

For Guam families: The hazing your child experienced, even if it occurred outside of Texas, most likely aligns with these definitions, opening pathways for legal action.

Criminal Penalties for Hazing (§ 37.152)

Texas law imposes severe criminal penalties on individuals involved in hazing:

• Engaging in Hazing: Class B Misdemeanor (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine). This includes soliciting, encouraging, or aiding hazing.
• Hazing Causing Serious Bodily Injury: Class A Misdemeanor (up to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine). Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure unequivocally constitute “serious bodily injury.” The University of Houston spokesperson even noted the potential for “criminal charges.”
• Hazing Causing Death: State Jail Felony (180 days to 2 years state jail, up to $10,000 fine). This applies in tragic cases like those of Andrew Coffey, Max Gruver, and Timothy Piazza.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153)

Organizations themselves are held accountable:

• A fraternity or sorority commits an offense if it condones or encourages hazing, or if its members or alumni commit or assist in hazing.
• Penalties include fines up to $10,000, denial of campus operating privileges, and forfeiture of property. The closure of the Pi Kappa Phi chapter after Leonel’s hazing is an example of organizational accountability.

Consent is NOT a Defense! (§ 37.154)

This is perhaps the most critical legal point for hazing victims and their families:

“It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

This directly refutes the common defense used by fraternities and universities: “He wanted to join,” “he could have said no,” or “he consented.” Texas law explicitly states that a victim cannot legally consent to hazing. The psychological pressure, fear of ostracism, and desire to belong inherent in hazing negate true consent. This means the focus remains squarely on the perpetrators’ actions, not the victim’s choices.

For Guam families: While specific state laws vary, the principle that consent cannot justify criminal or negligent conduct is widely upheld in civil litigation for hazing.

Institutional Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155)

The chief administrative officer of any Texas educational institution must report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board within 30 days of becoming aware of them. Failing to do so is a Class B Misdemeanor. This creates a paper trail and holds institutions accountable for disclosure.

Civil Liability for Hazing: Suing for Justice in Guam

Beyond criminal prosecution, civil lawsuits allow victims and their families to seek comprehensive compensation for their injuries and suffering. Our firm pursues a range of civil claims, all applicable to hazing incidents affecting students from Guam:

1. Negligence: This is the most common claim. We argue that the fraternities, individuals, university, and national organization owed a duty of care to the student (to protect them from harm), breached that duty through their actions or inactions (allowing hazing), and that this breach caused the student’s injuries (Leonel’s kidney failure), resulting in damages (medical bills, pain and suffering). This applies universally, including to incidents involving students from Guam.
2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university or a housing corporation (as was the case with the University-owned fraternity house in the Bermudez case), these entities can be held liable for creating or allowing a dangerous condition.
3. Negligent Supervision: This applies to national organizations that fail to adequately oversee their chapters, or to universities that fail to supervise Greek life, resulting in hazing. Given the prior hazing incident at UH in 2017 and Pi Kappa Phi’s history, negligent supervision is a major component of the Bermudez lawsuit.
4. Assault and Battery: These are intentional torts that can be brought against individual perpetrators for physical violence (like the wooden paddles and waterboarding in Leonel’s case).
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): Reserved for highly egregious conduct that causes severe emotional suffering. Waterboarding, hog-tying, forced humiliation—these acts rise to the level of IIED.
6. Wrongful Death: In tragic cases where hazing results in death, families can sue for wrongful death, seeking compensation for the loss of companionship, financial support, and punitive damages.

For Guam Families: Do not be deterred by distance. Our firm’s expertise in federal court litigation and our dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) strategically position us to represent hazing victims from Guam, regardless of where their incident occurred. We can bring claims under the applicable state laws or leverage federal statutes to secure justice for your child. The key is to act quickly, as statutes of limitations (typically two years for personal injury and wrongful death cases) apply.

WHY ATTORNEY 911: YOUR GUAM HAZING LITIGATION EXPERTS

If your child has been subjected to hazing, whether at a university near Guam or anywhere across the nation, you are facing a legal emergency. You need immediate, aggressive, and professional help. Attorney 911 is built precisely for these moments. We are not just lawyers; we are Legal Emergency Lawyers™, dedicated to providing unparalleled representation for hazing victims and their families. Distance is not a barrier; our commitment to Guam families is unwavering.

Our Unique Advantages for Guam Hazing Victims

Choosing the right legal team can make all the difference in the outcome of a hazing case. Here’s why families in Guam choose Attorney 911:

1. Unmatched Hazing Litigation Experience:

   • Live Litigation: We are currently battling Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a $10 MILLION hazing lawsuit right now. This isn’t theoretical expertise; we are actively fighting a major hazing case, applying our strategies in real-time. This means Guam families get representation from attorneys who are constantly sharpening their skills on the cutting edge of hazing litigation.
   • Specialized Focus: Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, precisely the injury Leonel Bermudez suffered. This deep medical-legal knowledge is crucial for maximizing recovery for victims with complex injuries.
   • Track Record against Institutions: Our experience includes successfully fighting against major corporate defendants in the BP Texas City Explosion litigation. This demonstrates our capacity to take on powerful institutions—a critical skill when facing universities and national fraternities.

2. Insider Knowledge: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys:

   • Ralph P. Manginello and Lupe Eleno Peña both began their careers defending insurance companies and large corporations. This is an unfair advantage for our clients.
   • From Lupe Peña’s perspective: As a former Associate Attorney at Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national insurance defense firm, he learned firsthand how insurance companies value claims, strategize defenses, and relentlessly try to minimize payouts. He knows their playbook—the tactics they use to lowball victims, delay claims, and wear down plaintiffs. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients.
   • What this means for Guam families: We anticipate and counter every move the defense will make because we’ve been on their side. We protect you from their manipulation and ensure they don’t take advantage of your vulnerable situation.

3. Nationwide Reach and Federal Authority for Guam Cases:

   • Federal Court Admissions: Both Ralph and Lupe are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, granting us authority to litigate cases in federal court, which is often crucial when dealing with national organizations or interstate issues. Our federal experience, including in the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals, provides a powerful advantage for hazing victims from Guam.
   • Dual-State Bar Admissions: Ralph is licensed in both Texas and New York. This dual licensure provides a strategic advantage when dealing with national fraternities and sororities, many of which have headquarters or significant operations across multiple states, making multi-state litigation a reality.
   • Willingness to Travel: We serve hazing victims in Guam and across America. For critical depositions, client meetings, or even trials, our attorneys are prepared to travel to Guam. We ensure that distance is never a barrier to justice.
   • Remote Consultation Technology: For the convenience of Guam families, we offer secure and confidential video consultations, allowing you to connect with our legal team from wherever you are.

4. A Compassionate and Accessible Approach:

   • “You Are Family”: Our client testimonials consistently highlight our commitment to treating clients like family. “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such,” as one client, Chad Harris, put it. We understand the emotional toll hazing takes and provide empathetic support alongside aggressive legal action.
   • Clear Communication: We pride ourselves on consistent communication and keeping clients informed at every stage of their case. “Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case,” noted client Dame Haskett.
   • Bilingual Services: “Se Habla Español.” Our bilingual staff ensures that Spanish-speaking families in Guam receive comprehensive legal services without language barriers.

5. No Upfront Costs: Contingency Fee Basis:

   • Dealing with the trauma of hazing and mounting medical bills is overwhelming enough without worrying about legal fees. We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely $0 upfront. We only get paid if, and when, we win your case. This aligns our interests directly with yours and removes any financial barrier to securing top-tier legal representation.

Attorney Profiles: Your Advocates in the Fight for Justice

Ralph P. Manginello — Managing Partner

Ralph is a tenacious trial attorney with over 25 years of courtroom experience. His background as a former insurance defense attorney gives him an invaluable perspective on how the opposition operates. He’s been involved in multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation (like the BP Texas City Explosion), demonstrating his capability to take on the largest corporate defendants—crucial for battling national fraternities and universities. His journalism background instills a relentless investigative drive, essential for uncovering the truth in hazing cases. Ralph is a father, and his deep understanding of what’s at stake for families fuels his passion for justice.

Lupe Eleno Peña — Associate Attorney

Lupe (who is male, despite the given name) brings over 12 years of legal experience, including significant time at Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national insurance defense firm. This means he possesses critical insider knowledge of how insurance companies analyze, defend, and value claims. He uniquely understands how to dismantle their strategies to maximize recovery for his clients. A third-generation Texan with deep community roots and fluency in Spanish, Lupe is dedicated to outworking, outsmarting, and outfighting the opposition. His experience in wrongful death, dram shop liability, and catastrophic injury cases directly applies to the severe outcomes of hazing.

Together, Ralph and Lupe form a formidable team, bringing 37+ years of combined legal experience and unparalleled insight into the defense’s strategy. When you choose Attorney 911, you’re not just hiring lawyers; you’re gaining former insiders ready to fight fiercely for justice in your hazing case in Guam.

WHAT TO DO RIGHT NOW: IMMEDIATE STEPS FOR GUAM HAZING VICTIMS

If you or your child in Guam has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While it can be overwhelming, taking swift and strategic action can significantly impact the strength of your legal case. Time is of the essence, and evidence can disappear quickly. We understand the emotional turmoil you’re experiencing, but please, read this carefully and take action.

Your Immediate Action Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Medical Care

Your physical and mental well-being are paramount.

• Get Out of the Situation: If hazing is ongoing, remove yourself or your child from the dangerous environment immediately. Safety comes first.
• Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if injuries seem minor or you feel “okay” (adrenaline can mask pain, as in Leonel’s case), go to an emergency room or a doctor. Leonel’s kidney failure wasn’t immediately apparent.
  • Insist on Documentation: Clearly state that your injuries are related to hazing. Ensure medical staff document all symptoms, injuries, and how they occurred.
  • Keep ALL Medical Records: Obtain copies of everything – emergency room reports, doctor’s notes, test results (like Leonel’s creatine kinase levels), discharge summaries, and bills. These are foundational to your case.
• Seek Mental Health Support: Hazing inflicts severe psychological trauma. Consult with a therapist or counselor specializing in trauma. Document all sessions and diagnoses (PTSD, anxiety, depression).

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence – “Document Everything!”

Evidence is the lifeblood of a hazing case. Do not delete anything. Document everything. As Ralph Manginello constantly emphasizes, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.”

• Photographs and Videos:
  • Injuries: Take clear photos of all injuries, bruises, cuts, burns, or physical changes, documenting them as they heal over time.
  • Scene: If safe, discreetly photograph or video the location where hazing occurred (fraternity house, off-campus residence, specific rooms, fields). Look for items used in hazing activities (e.g., paddles, ropes, excessive alcohol bottles).
  • Pledges/Members: If possible, discreetly capture images of other pledges or fraternity members who were present.
• Digital Communications:
  • SAVE EVERYTHING: Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat conversations, Instagram DMs, Facebook Messenger, emails – any digital communication related to the hazing. This often contains explicit instructions, threats, derogatory language, or evidence of forced participation.
  • Screenshot, Screenshot, Screenshot: Digital evidence can be easily deleted. Screenshot everything and print hard copies or back them up multiple times. Even if an account or group disappears, you’ll have proof.
• Witness Information:
  • Identify Others: Note the names and contact information of other pledges, current or former fraternity members who may have witnessed or experienced hazing, or even bystanders. They may be afraid to come forward, but our team can approach them discreetly and ethically.
• Documents and Materials:
  • Pledge Manuals/Schedules: Keep any pamphlets, schedules, “standards,” or official-looking documents given to pledges. These often contain veiled references to hazing or conflicting rules.
  • Financial Records: Keep track of any medical bills, lost wages, or fees paid related to the hazing incident.

Step 3: Crucial “DON’TS” – Protect Your Case

What you don’t do is as important as what you do. Our attorneys, in videos like “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case,” warn against common errors.

• DO NOT Delete Anything: Never delete photos, videos, text messages, or social media posts, even if they seem irrelevant or embarrassing. Deleting evidence can severely harm your case.
• DO NOT Post on Social Media: Refrain from posting anything about the hazing incident or your subsequent activities on social media. Defendants will scour your profiles for anything to discredit you (e.g., photos of you looking “fine” at a social event).
• DO NOT Talk to the Fraternity/Sorority: Do not speak with any members, officers, or alumni of the organization about the incident without first consulting with your attorney. They will try to control the narrative or intimidate you.
• DO NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any document from the fraternity, university, or their representatives without your attorney’s review. You could inadvertently waive your legal rights.
• DO NOT Give Statements to the University Alone: If the university contacts you for a statement, politely decline or state that your attorney will be in touch. Their primary goal is to protect the institution, not you.
• DO NOT Accept a Settlement Offer: Insurance companies or institutions may offer a quick, lowball settlement. Do not accept or discuss figures without legal counsel; you won’t know the true value of your case.
• DO NOT Fabricate Information: Always be truthful and accurate. Any exaggeration or falsehood can severely damage your credibility and your case.

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

Time is a critical factor in hazing cases. In most states, there is a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases. This means you have a limited window to file a lawsuit, and evidence can grow stale or disappear if you wait.

• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7): Our legal emergency hotline is available around the clock. Distance is not a barrier; we serve Guam and nationwide.
• Email Us: Reach out to ralph@atty911.com for prompt assistance.
• Schedule a Free Consultation: We offer free, confidential consultations, including video consultations for families in Guam. This is your chance to discuss your case, understand your rights, and learn how we can help, all without any financial obligation.
• “We Come to You”: While based in Houston, our commitment to justice means we will travel to Guam for depositions, important meetings, and trials when necessary.

Your child’s hazing experience was traumatic, but it doesn’t have to be defining. With Attorney 911, your family in Guam can fight back, hold the responsible parties accountable, and work towards a safer future for all students.

🚨 GUAM FAMILIES: HAVE YOU OR YOUR CHILD BEEN HAZED?

YOU HAVE LEGAL RIGHTS. WE ARE FIGHTING THIS FIGHT RIGHT NOW — AND WE’LL FIGHT FOR GUAM VICTIMS TOO.

Our attorneys are currently representing a hazing victim against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a $10 MILLION lawsuit. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. We know how to WIN. Guam families get the same aggressive representation.

GUAM FAMILIES — CALL NOW — FREE CONSULTATION

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Available 24/7 for Guam Hazing Emergencies

We work on CONTINGENCY — $0 upfront for Guam families. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid.

WHAT GUAM HAZING VICTIMS SHOULD DO RIGHT NOW:

1. GET MEDICAL ATTENTION if you haven’t already — document everything.
2. PRESERVE ALL EVIDENCE — texts, photos, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, witness names, any materials.
3. DO NOT talk to the fraternity/sorority, university, or their lawyers without legal counsel.
4. DO NOT post on social media about the incident.
5. CALL US IMMEDIATELY — a 2-year statute of limitations applies in most states, and evidence disappears fast.
6. GUAM FAMILIES: Distance is not a barrier — we offer video consultations and travel to Guam for cases.

WE SERVE GUAM HAZING VICTIMS — AND HAZING VICTIMS NATIONWIDE

While we are based in Texas (Houston, Austin, Beaumont), hazing happens at colleges and universities in Guam and across America. We can evaluate your Guam case regardless of location through:

• Federal court authority — allowing us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, vital for national fraternities.
• Dual-state bar licenses — Ralph is licensed in Texas AND New York, providing a strategic advantage in cross-state litigation.
• Video consultations — Guam families can meet with us remotely, confidentially, and at their convenience.
• Travel commitment — we come to Guam for depositions, key client meetings, and trials as needed.

Hazing is not limited to Greek life in Guam. We represent victims of hazing in:

• Fraternities and sororities near Guam.
• Guam sports teams.
• Marching bands at Guam universities.
• ROTC programs in Guam.
• Clubs and organizations at Guam schools.
• Military academies.
• Any organization that uses abuse as “initiation.”

TO OTHER VICTIMS OF THE UH PI KAPPA PHI HAZING:

We know there are more of you.

Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was not the only one hazed. Another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness on October 15. Others were subjected to the same waterboarding, forced eating, and physical abuse.

You have rights too. We can represent you.

Lupe Pena said it best: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Call us. Let’s bring them ALL to justice.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com