Hazing in Texas: A Complete Guide for Hewitt, McLennan County, and Baylor University Families

If Your Child Was Hazed: Immediate Help for Hewitt Families

URGENT SITUATION? CALL NOW: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

For families in Hewitt, Woodway, and across McLennan County, the nightmare often starts with a phone call. Your student at Baylor University—or maybe at Texas A&M, UT Austin, or another Texas campus—sounds different. They’re exhausted, secretive, or injured. They mention “pledge activities” that make your stomach drop. You suspect hazing, but you don’t know what to do, who to trust, or where to turn. You’re not alone.

Right now, just hours from Hewitt in Houston, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who nearly died from hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. According to a Click2Houston investigation, Bermudez was forced through brutal workouts, humiliating “fanny pack” rules, and simulated waterboarding that caused rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. His urine turned brown. He was hospitalized for four days. The chapter is now shut down, but the physical and psychological damage remains.

This isn’t a story from somewhere else. This is happening right now in Texas, to students from communities like ours. If your child attends Baylor University here in Waco, Texas A&M in College Station, UT Austin, or any of Texas’s 96 campuses, they could be at risk.

This guide is written specifically for parents and families in Hewitt, McLennan County, and Central Texas who need to understand hazing in 2025: what it really looks like, Texas law, your legal options, and how to protect your child. We’ll walk you through the reality of hazing at Baylor and other Texas schools, explain the legal framework that governs these cases, and show you how experienced Texas hazing attorneys build cases for accountability.

IMMEDIATE CRISIS RESPONSE FOR HEWITT FAMILIES

IF YOUR CHILD IS IN DANGER RIGHT NOW:

• Call 911 for medical emergencies
• Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• We provide immediate legal help—that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

FIRST 48-HOUR CHECKLIST:

1. Medical First: Get your child to an ER or urgent care immediately, even if they insist they’re “fine.” Tell medical staff they were hazed.
2. Preserve Evidence NOW:
   • Screenshot all group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage) before they’re deleted
   • Photograph injuries from multiple angles with good lighting
   • Save physical evidence: clothing, paddles, receipts for forced purchases
   • Write down everything your child tells you (who, what, when, where)
3. Do NOT:
   • Confront the fraternity/sorority directly
   • Sign anything from Baylor or any insurance company
   • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” their phone
   • Post details on social media
4. Contact us within 24-48 hours: Evidence disappears fast. We can help preserve it and protect your rights.

CALL 1-888-ATTY-911 FOR IMMEDIATE GUIDANCE

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Texas

Beyond Stereotypes: Modern Hazing Tactics

Many Hewitt parents remember hazing as “pranks” or “initiation rites.” Today’s hazing is more systematic, digitally documented, and dangerous. It’s not just fraternities—it happens in sororities, athletic teams, Corps programs, spirit groups, and even academic clubs at Baylor and other Texas schools.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing:

1. Subtle Hazing (Often Dismissed as “Tradition”):

   • Mandatory servitude (cleaning, errands, chauffeuring at all hours)
   • “Pledge fanny packs” with humiliating contents (condoms, sex toys, as in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case)
   • Social isolation from non-members
   • Constant group chat monitoring with instant response demands
   • Geo-tracking via apps like Find My Friends

2. Harassment Hazing (Clear Abuse):

   • Sleep deprivation with 3 AM wake-up calls
   • Forced consumption of unpleasant foods (milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting)
   • Extreme physical “workouts” (100+ push-ups, 500 squats as in Bermudez’s case)
   • Public humiliation on social media or in meetings
   • Verbal abuse and threats of expulsion

3. Violent Hazing (Criminal Acts):

   • Forced alcohol consumption (“Big/Little” nights, drinking games)
   • Physical beatings and paddling
   • Sexualized hazing (forced nudity, simulated acts)
   • Dangerous physical tests (“glass ceiling” tackles, cold exposure)
   • Chemical exposure (industrial cleaners causing burns)

Why “Consent” Doesn’t Matter in Texas

A common defense we hear is, “Your child agreed to this.” Texas law rejects this entirely. Education Code § 37.155 states consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, fear of exclusion, and power imbalance isn’t real consent. Your child could have “agreed” to every activity and still have a strong legal case.

Texas Law & Liability: What Hewitt Families Need to Know

Texas Hazing Statutes (Education Code Chapter 37)

For cases involving Hewitt students at Baylor or other Texas schools, these laws apply:

• § 37.151 Definition: Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers mental or physical health for purposes of initiation or affiliation. This includes acts on or off campus.
• § 37.152 Penalties: Hazing can be a misdemeanor, but becomes a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals can also be charged for failing to report hazing they knew about.
• § 37.153 Organizational Liability: Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation and lose university recognition.
• § 37.155 Consent Defense: As noted, consent is not a defense.
• § 37.156 Reporting Requirements: Texas universities must publish annual hazing violation reports—a resource we use to show patterns.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Justice

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by the state (prosecutor)
• Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Charges can include: hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Requirement: Proof “beyond a reasonable doubt”

Civil Cases (What We Handle):

• Brought by victims and families
• Goal: Compensation and accountability
• Claims include: negligence, wrongful death, intentional infliction of emotional distress
• Standard: “Preponderance of evidence” (more likely than not)
• Critical: You can pursue civil action even if no criminal charges are filed

Federal Laws That Apply to Texas Cases

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing transparently and maintain public data by 2026.
• Title IX: Applies when hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility.
• Clery Act: Requires reporting of certain crimes that often overlap with hazing.

Who Can Be Liable? The Complete Picture

When we investigate hazing cases for Hewitt families, we look at every potential responsible party:

1. Individual Students: Those who planned, participated, or covered up the hazing
2. Local Chapter: The fraternity/sorority as an entity
3. National Headquarters: Organizations that collect dues, set policies, and supervise chapters
4. Universities: Baylor, Texas A&M, UT, etc., for negligent supervision
5. Property Owners: Landlords of off-campus houses where hazing occurs
6. Alcohol Providers: Under Texas dram shop laws

The University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi Case: Your Local Proof We Fight Hard

Before we discuss Baylor specifically, understand that we’re already leading one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases. The Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit filed in late 2025 alleges:

• Systematic hazing including enforced “pledge fanny packs” with degrading contents
• Physical abuse at multiple Houston locations (chapter house, Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Boulevard Park)
• Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
• Simulated waterboarding with hose spraying
• Extreme workouts causing rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
• Four-day hospitalization with critically high creatine kinase levels

Defendants include UH, the UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. As reported by ABC13, the chapter was suspended November 6, 2025, and voted to surrender its charter on November 14.

Why This Matters for Hewitt Families: This case proves we’re not just talking about hazing—we’re actively litigating against a major Texas university and national fraternity right now. The same legal strategies, investigative techniques, and courtroom experience we’re using in Houston apply to cases involving Baylor, Texas A&M, or any Texas campus.

National Hazing Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

Alcohol Poisoning: The Deadliest Pattern

• Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi, 2017): Died after bid acceptance drinking; delayed 911 call captured on chapter cameras. Result: Criminal convictions, civil settlements, Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.
• Max Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta, 2017): Died during “Bible study” drinking game. Result: $6.1 million verdict, Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute).
• Stone Foltz (Bowling Green, Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021): Forced to drink bottle of liquor. Result: $10 million settlement ($7M from national, $3M from university).
• Andrew Coffey (Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi, 2017): Big/Little night death. Result: Chapter closure, FSU Greek life suspension.

Physical & Ritualized Violence

• Chun “Michael” Deng (Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi, 2013): Died during blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat. Result: National fraternity criminally convicted, banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.
• Danny Santulli (Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta, 2021): Permanent brain damage from forced drinking. Result: Settlements with 22 defendants, chapter closure.

Athletic Program Hazing

• Northwestern University Football (2023-2025): Sexualized, racist hazing allegations. Result: Multiple lawsuits, head coach fired, confidential settlements.
• Baylor Baseball (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation.

What These Cases Mean for Hewitt

These national cases establish critical legal precedents that benefit Texas families:

1. Pattern Evidence: Shows national fraternities knew or should have known about risks
2. Foreseeability: Establishes that certain activities (forced drinking, extreme workouts) are predictably dangerous
3. Institutional Liability: Proves universities and nationals can be held accountable
4. Damages Frameworks: Multi-million dollar settlements/verdicts show what serious cases are worth

Texas University Focus: Where Hewitt Families Send Their Kids

Baylor University: McLennan County’s Flagship Campus

For Hewitt families, Baylor isn’t just another university—it’s where many of your children attend school right here in our community.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

• Private Christian university with approximately 20,000 students
• Strong Greek life presence with active fraternities and sororities
• Traditional campus culture with religious identity
• Located just minutes from Hewitt in central Waco

Baylor’s Hazing Policy & Reporting

Baylor prohibits hazing in all forms and requires reporting through:

• Office of Student Conduct
• Campus Safety & Security
• Online reporting forms
• Title IX Office for sexualized hazing

Documented Incidents & Responses

• Baseball Team Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following investigation
• Fraternity Discipline: Regular sanctions for alcohol violations and conduct issues
• Transparency Challenge: As a private institution, Baylor has less public reporting than public universities

How a Baylor Hazing Case Proceeds

• Jurisdiction: McLennan County courts for local incidents
• Investigators: Baylor Department of Public Safety, Waco PD for off-campus incidents
• Potential Defendants: Students, chapters, national organizations, Baylor University
• Unique Factors: Religious identity may affect internal processes but doesn’t limit legal liability

What Baylor Families in Hewitt Should Do

1. Report Immediately: Use Baylor’s official channels but understand they may prioritize internal resolution
2. Document Everything: Baylor’s private status means evidence preservation is even more critical
3. Understand Dual Systems: Baylor’s conduct process runs parallel to legal options—you can pursue both
4. Local Legal Help: Our experience with Texas private institutions is invaluable for navigating Baylor’s unique environment

University of Texas at Austin

Campus & Culture

• Flagship public university with massive Greek life (60+ chapters)
• High-profile athletics and tradition-rich organizations
• Transparency Leader: UT publishes detailed hazing violation reports at hazing.utexas.edu

Documented Patterns (From UT’s Public Log)

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation
• Texas Wranglers (Spirit Group): Multiple sanctions for alcohol-related hazing
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon: Ongoing scrutiny including 2024 assault allegations

For Hewitt Students at UT

• UT’s transparency helps prove pattern evidence
• Austin jurisdiction but Texas law applies statewide
• Many UT students come from Central Texas—you’re not alone

Texas A&M University

Campus & Culture

• Massive Greek life plus unique Corps of Cadets tradition
• Strong institutional identity and loyalty
• History of high-profile hazing cases

Documented Incidents

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns (2021): Pledges covered in industrial cleaner requiring skin grafts; $1 million lawsuit
• Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023): Cadet bound between beds with apple in mouth; over $1 million sought
• Multiple Chapter Suspensions: Regular disciplinary actions for hazing violations

For Hewitt Families Considering A&M

• Corps hazing presents unique legal challenges
• College Station jurisdiction but statewide legal strategies apply
• A&M’s size means multiple organizations with hazing histories

Southern Methodist University

Campus & Culture

• Private university with affluent student body
• Strong Greek life presence
• Dallas location but many Texas families

Documented Incidents

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation; multi-year suspension
• Regular Discipline: SMU sanctions chapters annually for conduct violations

For Hewitt Students at SMU

• Private university dynamics similar to Baylor
• Dallas jurisdiction but Texas law applies
• SMU’s national reputation can affect settlement dynamics

University of Houston

The Active Case You Need to Know About

As detailed earlier, we’re currently litigating the Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi case—a $10 million lawsuit alleging horrific hazing causing kidney failure. This isn’t historical—it’s happening right now.

Why This Matters for All Texas Families

1. Proof of Capability: We’re actively fighting a major Texas university and national fraternity
2. Legal Precedents: This case will establish important Texas hazing law interpretations
3. Investigation Blueprint: Our methods for uncovering evidence in this case apply statewide
4. Settlement Framework: This case’s resolution will influence values across Texas

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: How We Track Every Responsible Party

For Hewitt families, understanding who’s behind the Greek letters at Baylor or other campuses is crucial. We maintain what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of every Greek organization in Texas, built from public records. This isn’t theoretical; it’s how we build cases.

Public Records Directory: Central Texas & Baylor-Affiliated Organizations

Why This Matters: When hazing occurs, there are often multiple legally responsible entities behind the chapter—alumni groups, housing corporations, national headquarters. We track them all so you don’t start from zero.

Sample Organizations Relevant to Hewitt & Baylor Families:

From IRS B83 Filings (Tax-Exempt Greek Organizations Registered in Texas):

• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – EIN: 364091267 – Waco, TX 76710 – IRS B83 filing
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated Nu Iota Chapter Baylor University – EIN: 521346485 – Waco, TX 76703 – IRS B83 filing, Baylor chapter
• Texas Rho Chapter of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity – EIN: 741942292 – Waco, TX 76706 – IRS B83 filing
• Beta Upsilon Chi – EIN: 742911848 – Fort Worth, TX 76244 – IRS B83 filing
• Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter Inc – EIN: 273662583 – Lufkin, TX 75904 – IRS B83 filing

From Cause IQ Metro Analysis (Waco Metro Organizations):

• Phi Gamma Delta – Tau Deuteron Chapter – Waco, TX – Baylor University chapter
• Kappa Kappa Gamma – Baylor House Board – Waco, TX
• Delta Delta Delta – Baylor Chapter – Waco, TX
• Baylor Panhellenic Alumnae Association – Waco, TX

The Big Picture: Across Texas, we track:

• 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations in IRS filings
• 1,423 fraternity/sorority entities across 25 Texas metros per Cause IQ data
• 96 Texas university campuses with Greek life presence
• 36 cross-validated national brands appearing in both IRS and metro data

How We Use This for Hewitt Families:

1. Identify All Defendants: Beyond individual students, we find every entity with potential liability
2. Trace Insurance Coverage: Different entities have different insurance policies—we find them all
3. Prove Pattern Evidence: Show national organizations knew about risks from other chapters
4. Serve Legal Papers Correctly: Ensuring proper service to all responsible parties

Fraternity & Sorority National Histories: Pattern Evidence That Wins Cases

When a Baylor chapter hazes, its national organization’s history matters. Courts consider whether nationals knew or should have known about the risk.

National Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories Present at Texas Schools:

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – Present at Baylor, UT, A&M, UH, SMU

• Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021): Alcohol poisoning death, $10 million settlement
• David Bogenberger (NIU, 2012): Alcohol poisoning death, $14 million settlement
• Pattern: “Big/Little” drinking nights, forced consumption

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Present at Baylor, UT, A&M, UH, SMU

• Texas A&M Chemical Burns (2021): Industrial cleaner burns requiring skin grafts
• UT Austin Assault (2024): Exchange student with broken bones
• University of Alabama TBI Case (2023): Traumatic brain injury lawsuit
• Pattern: Physical hazing, dangerous substances

Phi Delta Theta – Present at Baylor, UT, A&M, UH

• Max Gruver (LSU, 2017): Drinking game death, $6.1 million verdict
• Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games

Pi Kappa Phi – Present at UH (Our Active Case), UT, A&M

• Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017): Big/Little night death
• Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025): Our active kidney failure case
• Pattern: Extreme physical hazing, forced consumption

Why This Pattern Evidence Matters for Your Case:

1. Foreseeability: Shows nationals knew certain activities were dangerous
2. Negligence: Proves they didn’t do enough to prevent known risks
3. Punitive Damages: Supports claims for punishment beyond compensation
4. Settlement Leverage: Nationals with multiple incidents often settle rather than risk trial

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & What to Expect

The Evidence That Wins Cases

Digital Evidence (Most Critical):

• Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord screenshots
• Social Media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook posts
• Deleted Messages: Digital forensics can often recover “disappeared” content
• Location Data: GPS from phones, Find My Friends logs
• Watch our video on evidence preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Physical Evidence:

• Photographs of injuries (multiple angles, over time)
• Medical records specifically noting “hazing” as cause
• Clothing with stains or damage
• Paddles, props, alcohol containers

Institutional Records:

• University conduct files (obtained via subpoena)
• National fraternity incident reports
• Insurance policies
• Prior complaint records

Witness Testimony:

• Other pledges (often afraid but crucial)
• Former members who quit
• Roommates, RAs, bystanders
• Medical providers

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

• Medical bills (ER, hospitalization, surgery, therapy)
• Future medical care (lifelong treatment for permanent injuries)
• Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, transfer expenses)
• Lost earning capacity (if injuries affect future work ability)

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
• Humiliation and loss of dignity
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Wrongful Death Damages:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of companionship and support
• Emotional suffering of family
• Economic support deceased would have provided

Punitive Damages (When Available):

• To punish especially reckless or intentional conduct
• Available when defendants knew risks and acted anyway
• Texas has caps but exceptions exist for egregious conduct

The Defense Playbook & How We Counter It

Defense 1: “They Consented”

• Our Response: Texas law § 37.155 says consent is no defense. Power imbalance and coercion negate “consent.”

Defense 2: “National Didn’t Know”

• Our Response: Pattern evidence shows nationals knew similar conduct caused injuries/deaths elsewhere. They had duty to prevent it.

Defense 3: “It Was Off-Campus”

• Our Response: Location doesn’t eliminate duty. Nationals and universities still supervise off-campus activities.

Defense 4: “We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”

• Our Response: Paper policies aren’t enough. We show they weren’t enforced or were just window dressing.

Defense 5: “Insurance Doesn’t Cover Hazing”

• Our Response: This is where Mr. Lupe Peña’s insurance defense background is invaluable. We navigate exclusions and find coverage.

Watch our video on common client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

The Timeline: What to Expect

1. Immediate Response (Days 1-7): Evidence preservation, medical care, initial investigation
2. Investigation Phase (Weeks 2-12): Gathering records, interviewing witnesses, identifying defendants
3. Pre-Litigation (Months 3-6): Settlement demands, negotiations, mediation attempts
4. Litigation (Months 6-24+): Filing lawsuit, discovery, depositions, expert reports
5. Resolution: Settlement or trial (most cases settle before trial)

Statute of Limitations Note: In Texas, you generally have 2 years from the date of injury to file suit, but exceptions exist. Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records.

Watch our statute of limitations video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

Practical Guides for Hewitt Families, Students & Witnesses

For Parents: Warning Signs & Action Steps

Red Flags Your Baylor Student Might Be Hazed:

• Unexplained injuries or frequent “accidents”
• Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
• Secretive about fraternity/sorority activities
• Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
• Personality changes (anxiety, depression, withdrawal)
• Sudden financial needs (forced purchases, “fines”)
• Grades dropping due to “mandatory” events

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing:

1. Talk Openly: “I’m concerned about your safety, not getting you in trouble.”
2. Document Everything: Write down what they tell you with dates and details.
3. Preserve Evidence: Help them screenshot messages before deletion.
4. Seek Medical Care: Even if they resist, injuries need documentation.
5. Contact Us Before Confronting Anyone: Once you alert the organization, evidence disappears.

For Students: Safety & Reporting

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

• Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
• Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would my parents/university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
• Am I being told to keep secrets?

If You’re in Immediate Danger:

• Call 911 or campus police
• Text a friend your location
• Remove yourself from the situation
• Texas has good-faith reporting protections—you won’t get in trouble for seeking help

How to Report Safely:

• Baylor: Office of Student Conduct, Campus Safety
• Anonymous: National Anti-Hazing Hotline 1-888-NOT-HAZE
• Law enforcement: Waco PD for off-campus incidents
• Then contact us: We can protect you from retaliation

For Witnesses & Former Members

We understand the guilt and fear. If you participated or witnessed hazing:

• Your testimony could prevent future injuries or deaths
• You may need your own legal advice (we can explain options)
• Coming forward can be part of making things right
• We can often arrange confidential cooperation

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

MISTAKE 1: Letting Your Child Delete Messages

• Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up, destroys crucial evidence
• Do this instead: Screenshot everything immediately

MISTAKE 2: Confronting the Fraternity Directly

• Why it’s wrong: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
• Do this instead: Document everything, then call us first

MISTAKE 3: Signing University “Resolution” Forms

• Why it’s wrong: You may waive legal rights for inadequate settlements
• Do this instead: “I need my attorney to review this first”

MISTAKE 4: Posting on Social Media

• Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
• Do this instead: Document privately; let us control public messaging

MISTAKE 5: Waiting “To See What Baylor Does”

• Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
• Do this instead: Preserve evidence now; parallel tracks (university process + legal action)

MISTAKE 6: Talking to Insurance Adjusters

• Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements are used against you; early settlements are lowball
• Do this instead: “My attorney will contact you”

MISTAKE 7: Letting Your Child Attend “One Last Meeting”

• Why it’s wrong: They’ll pressure, intimidate, or extract damaging statements
• Do this instead: Once considering legal action, all communication goes through us

Why Attorney911 for Hewitt Hazing Cases

Our Texas Hazing Litigation Credentials

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway.

1. Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)

• Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
• Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers value (and undervalue) hazing claims
• Understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies
• “We know their playbook because Mr. Peña used to run it.”

2. Complex Institutional Litigation (Ralph Manginello)

• One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
• Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
• Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
• “We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. Fraternities don’t scare us.”

3. Active Hazing Case Leadership

• Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi case
• This isn’t theoretical—we’re in court fighting a major Texas hazing case as you read this
• The same strategies we’re using in Houston apply to Baylor, Texas A&M, and all Texas schools

4. Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience

• Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
• Economists, life care planners, vocational experts on retainer
• “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

5. Criminal + Civil Dual Capability

• Ralph’s HCCLA membership (Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association)
• Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
• Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure

6. Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine

• Our proprietary database of 1,423 Texas Greek organizations
• We identify every potentially liable entity before filing suit
• Pattern evidence from national histories strengthens your case

7. Digital Evidence Mastery

• Experience recovering deleted group chats, social media, encrypted messages
• Digital forensics experts on call
• “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

We Serve Hewitt & All Texas Families

While based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas, including Hewitt, McLennan County, and all Central Texas communities. Whether your child attends Baylor here in Waco, Texas A&M in College Station, UT in Austin, or any Texas campus, we can help.

Spanish Services Available: Hablamos Español. Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish.

Our Consultation Promise

When you contact us about a potential hazing case:

1. We Listen Without Judgment: We understand this is traumatic
2. We Explain All Options: Criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
3. We Review Your Evidence: Photos, messages, medical records
4. We Discuss Realistic Timelines: No false promises
5. We Explain Costs: Contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win
6. No Pressure: Take time to decide
7. Complete Confidentiality: Everything you tell us is protected

Watch our video on how contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Your Next Step: Free Confidential Consultation

If Hazing Has Impacted Your Family

Whether you’re in Hewitt, Waco, McLennan County, or anywhere in Texas, you don’t have to face this alone. The organizations responsible for hazing have lawyers protecting them. You should too.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm Today:

• 24/7 Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Direct: (713) 528-9070
• Cell: (713) 443-4781
• Email: ralph@atty911.com
• Spanish: lupe@atty911.com
• Website: https://attorney911.com

We’ll Help You:

• Preserve crucial evidence before it disappears
• Navigate university processes that often protect institutions over students
• Identify all potentially liable parties (individuals, chapters, nationals, universities)
• Build a strong case for maximum accountability
• Protect your family’s privacy throughout the process
• Pursue justice while your child focuses on healing

Remember the UH Pi Kappa Phi Case

While you consider your options, remember: we’re already fighting. The Leonel Bermudez case proves we take hazing seriously, we have the resources to fight universities and national fraternities, and we’re committed to preventing future harm.

From the ABC13 coverage: Attorney Lupe Peña said, “If this prevents harm to another person… Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

That’s our commitment to every Texas family affected by hazing.

Plain Text Resources for Hewitt Families

Attorney911 Contact Information:

• Main Phone: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Website: https://attorney911.com
• Ralph Manginello Email: ralph@atty911.com
• Lupe Peña Email (Spanish available): lupe@atty911.com

Key Educational Videos:

• Evidence Preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Statute of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Common Client Mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• Contingency Fees Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

UH Pi Kappa Phi Case Coverage:

• Click2Houston Investigation: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
• ABC13 Detailed Timeline: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
• Hoodline Summary: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

National Resources:

• Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (anonymous reporting)
• StopHazing.org: Research and prevention resources

Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence. If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified Texas attorney to discuss your specific situation. Contact Attorney911 at 1 -888-ATTY-911 for a confidential case evaluation.