Hazing Victims in Humphreys County: Your Rights and How to Seek Justice

The Hazing Crisis Hits Close to Home in Humphreys County

Humphreys County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities to protect their students and Greek organizations to foster brotherhood and sisterhood. But for too many families across Mississippi and the nation, that trust is shattered by the brutal reality of hazing.

What happened to Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston could just as easily happen to a student from Humphreys County. The same national fraternities with documented histories of hazing operate at universities near Humphreys County. The same “traditions” that hospitalized Bermudez exist right here in Mississippi. And the same institutional failures that allowed waterboarding, forced exercise, and physical abuse to occur at UH exist at colleges throughout our state.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this battle right now with a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We want Humphreys County families to know: what happened in Houston can happen here. And if it does, we will fight for you with the same determination.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: The Bermudez Case

Leonel Bermudez, a young man who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity in September 2025. What followed was seven weeks of systematic abuse that would hospitalize him with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

The fraternity subjected Bermudez to:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose – simulated drowning, a form of torture
• Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting – then forced to continue running
• Extreme physical punishment – 100+ pushups, 500+ squats, bear crawls, “suicides” (running drills)
• Being struck with wooden paddles – physical assault with weapons
• Sleep deprivation – forced to drive members during early morning hours
• Psychological torture – carrying objects of sexual nature, being hog-tied, threats of expulsion

On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event with a brutal workout session. He became so exhausted he couldn’t stand without help. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he couldn’t move. His mother rushed him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis – a life-threatening condition where muscle breakdown damages the kidneys. He spent four days in the hospital fighting for his life.

This wasn’t an isolated incident. Another pledge lost consciousness during a workout on October 15. A different pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour on October 13. The fraternity knew the risks. The university owned the fraternity house and had the power to stop it. They chose not to act until it was too late.

Why This Matters to Humphreys County Families

The same national fraternities involved in the Bermudez case have chapters at universities near Humphreys County. The same “traditions” that hospitalized Bermudez exist right here in Mississippi. And the same institutional failures that allowed this to happen at UH exist at colleges throughout our state.

Universities Near Humphreys County with Greek Organizations

While Humphreys County itself doesn’t have a major university, several institutions with active Greek life are located within reasonable distance:

• Delta State University (Cleveland, MS) – Approximately 30 miles from Belzoni
• Mississippi Valley State University (Itta Bena, MS) – Approximately 50 miles from Belzoni
• University of Mississippi (Oxford, MS) – Approximately 120 miles from Belzoni
• Mississippi State University (Starkville, MS) – Approximately 130 miles from Belzoni

These institutions, like many across the country, face the same challenges with Greek life oversight that allowed the Bermudez case to occur. The same national fraternities with documented hazing histories operate chapters at these universities.

The Same Fraternities Operate Near Humphreys County

Pi Kappa Phi, the fraternity involved in the Bermudez case, has chapters throughout the South. Other fraternities with documented hazing incidents also maintain active chapters at Mississippi universities:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – Multiple hazing deaths including Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Chemical burns case at Texas A&M
• Phi Delta Theta – Max Gruver death at LSU
• Beta Theta Pi – Timothy Piazza death at Penn State

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at a university near Humphreys County, they face the same risks that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez.

Mississippi Hazing Laws: What Humphreys County Families Need to Know

Mississippi has specific laws addressing hazing, and Humphreys County families should understand their rights under these statutes.

Mississippi Code § 97-3-105: Hazing

Mississippi law defines hazing as:

Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a student, whether individually or in concert with others, against another student, and in which both of the following apply:

(a) The act was committed in connection with an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in any organization that is affiliated with an educational institution; and

(b) The act contributes to a substantial risk of potential physical injury, mental harm, or degradation or causes physical injury, mental harm, or personal degradation.

Key points for Humphreys County families:

1. Consent is not a defense – Even if a student agrees to participate, hazing is still illegal
2. Both physical and psychological harm qualify – Waterboarding, forced exercise, humiliation all meet the definition
3. Criminal penalties apply – Hazing is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and/or $500 fine
4. Enhanced penalties for serious bodily harm – If hazing causes serious injury or death, penalties increase significantly

Mississippi Code § 37-11-29: Institutional Responsibility

Mississippi law also addresses the responsibility of educational institutions:

Each educational institution shall adopt a policy prohibiting hazing by any student, student group, or student organization.

This means universities near Humphreys County have a legal obligation to:

• Implement anti-hazing policies
• Educate students about hazing
• Investigate reports of hazing
• Take disciplinary action against hazing

When universities fail to fulfill these obligations, they can be held legally responsible for the harm that occurs.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Humphreys County Cases

When hazing occurs, multiple parties may share legal responsibility. Humphreys County families should understand who can be held accountable:

1. Individual Perpetrators

The students who directly participated in or organized the hazing can be held personally liable. This includes:

• Chapter presidents
• Pledgemasters
• Active members who participated
• Alumni who facilitated hazing

Example: In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was held personally liable for $6.5 million.

2. Local Chapter Organizations

The local fraternity or sorority chapter that organized and conducted the hazing can be sued as an organization.

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Organizations

National organizations can be held liable for:

• Failing to supervise local chapters
• Failing to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Having knowledge of hazing patterns
• Failing to implement effective safeguards

In the Bermudez case: Pi Kappa Phi National is named as a defendant for failing to prevent hazing despite knowing about “a hazing crisis.”

4. Universities and Colleges

Universities near Humphreys County can be held liable for:

• Premises liability – If they own or control the property where hazing occurred
• Negligent supervision – Failing to monitor Greek organizations
• Institutional knowledge – Knowing about prior hazing incidents and failing to act
• Failure to enforce policies – Not implementing their own anti-hazing rules

In the Bermudez case: University of Houston is named as a defendant because they owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred and had a prior hazing incident in 2017.

5. Housing Corporations

Organizations that own or manage fraternity/sorority houses can be held liable for allowing hazing to occur on their property.

6. Alumni and Hosts

Alumni who allow hazing to occur at their homes can be held liable for premises liability.

In the Bermudez case: A former member and his spouse are named as defendants because hazing occurred at their residence.

What Humphreys County Families Can Recover in a Hazing Lawsuit

Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to significant compensation for the harm they’ve suffered. Potential damages include:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses – Hospital bills, doctor visits, medications, future medical care
• Lost wages – Time missed from work during recovery
• Educational expenses – Tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships
• Future earning capacity – If injuries affect long-term career prospects

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering – The agony of rhabdomyolysis, forced exercise, physical abuse
• Mental anguish – PTSD, anxiety, depression from the hazing experience
• Emotional distress – Humiliation, shame, loss of trust
• Loss of enjoyment of life – Inability to participate in normal activities

Punitive Damages

In cases of particularly egregious conduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter future misconduct. Factors that may support punitive damages include:

• Extreme physical abuse (waterboarding, paddling)
• Forced consumption to the point of vomiting
• Knowledge of prior hazing incidents
• Failure to implement safeguards despite knowing the risks
• Attempts to cover up the hazing

Precedent: The Max Gruver case resulted in a $6.1 million jury verdict, including punitive damages.

The Legal Process for Humphreys County Hazing Victims

If your child has been hazed at a university near Humphreys County, here’s what you can expect from the legal process:

1. Initial Consultation

Contact an experienced hazing attorney for a free, confidential consultation. At Attorney 911, we offer:

• Free case evaluation
• Explanation of your legal rights
• Assessment of potential damages
• No obligation to proceed

2. Evidence Preservation

Critical first steps to protect your case:

• Seek medical attention immediately – Document all injuries
• Preserve all communications – Text messages, emails, social media posts
• Take photographs – Injuries, hazing locations, any physical evidence
• Document witness information – Names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
• Do not sign anything – From the fraternity, university, or their lawyers
• Do not post on social media – About the incident or your injuries

3. Investigation

Your attorney will:

• Gather medical records
• Interview witnesses
• Obtain university policies and records
• Research prior incidents at the chapter
• Document the full extent of damages

4. Demand and Negotiation

Your attorney will send a demand letter to the defendants outlining:

• What happened
• Who is responsible
• The damages suffered
• The compensation sought

Many cases settle at this stage if the defendants recognize their liability.

5. Litigation (if necessary)

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will file a lawsuit. The litigation process includes:

• Filing the complaint – Official start of the lawsuit
• Discovery – Exchange of information between parties
• Depositions – Sworn testimony from witnesses and defendants
• Motions – Legal arguments before the court
• Mediation – Attempt to settle with a neutral mediator
• Trial – Presentation of evidence to a judge or jury

6. Resolution

Most cases resolve through settlement, but if necessary, your case will go to trial. Possible outcomes include:

• Settlement agreement
• Jury verdict
• Court judgment

Important: You control whether to accept any settlement offer. Your attorney will advise you, but the final decision is yours.

Why Humphreys County Families Choose Attorney 911

When your child has been hazed, you need attorneys who understand the unique challenges of hazing cases and have the experience to fight against powerful institutions. Here’s why Humphreys County families choose Attorney 911:

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical for us – we’re in the trenches right now, fighting for justice for hazing victims.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know their playbook. We know how they try to minimize claims. And we know how to defeat their strategies.

3. National Reach with Local Service

While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Humphreys County families. Our federal court authority and willingness to travel mean we can fight for Humphreys County victims no matter where the hazing occurred.

4. Proven Track Record

We’ve recovered millions for personal injury victims, including:

• Multi-million dollar settlements in catastrophic injury cases
• Significant recoveries in wrongful death claims
• Successful outcomes in complex litigation against large institutions

5. Contingency Fee Representation

We understand that Humphreys County families may be concerned about the cost of legal representation. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis:

• No upfront costs – You pay nothing to hire us
• No hourly fees – We don’t bill by the hour
• We take the risk – If we don’t win, you owe us nothing
• We only get paid if you get paid – Our fee comes from your recovery

6. Compassionate Representation

We see your child as a person, not a paycheck. We understand the trauma hazing causes and we’re committed to helping Humphreys County families through this difficult time.

What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Humphreys County

If your child has been hazed at a university near Humphreys County, take these immediate steps:

1. Ensure Safety and Medical Care

• Remove your child from the dangerous situation immediately
• Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
• Document all medical treatment

2. Preserve Evidence

• Do not delete anything – Text messages, emails, social media posts
• Take photographs of injuries and hazing locations
• Document witness names and contact information
• Save any physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)

3. Report the Incident

• Report to university authorities
• Consider filing a police report
• Report to the national fraternity/sorority organization

4. Contact an Attorney

• Do not speak to the fraternity, university, or their lawyers without legal counsel
• Contact an experienced hazing attorney immediately
• At Attorney 911, we offer free, confidential consultations

5. Protect Your Child’s Rights

• Do not sign anything from the organization or their lawyers
• Do not accept any settlement offers without consulting an attorney
• Follow your attorney’s advice about social media and public statements

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Cases in Humphreys County

Q: My child consented to participate. Can we still sue?

A: Yes. Under Mississippi law, consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable for the harm caused.

Q: The fraternity says this was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?

A: No. “Tradition” doesn’t justify illegal activity. Hazing is illegal in Mississippi, and organizations cannot hide behind tradition to avoid accountability.

Q: My child was hazed at a university outside Mississippi. Can you still help?

A: Yes. While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Humphreys County families whose children were hazed at out-of-state universities. Our federal court authority and willingness to travel mean we can fight for you no matter where the hazing occurred.

Q: How much is our case worth?

A: Every case is unique, but hazing cases can be worth significant amounts, especially when:

• The hazing caused serious physical injuries
• There’s evidence of psychological trauma
• The university or national organization knew about prior incidents
• The conduct was particularly egregious (waterboarding, paddling, etc.)

Recent hazing cases have resulted in settlements and verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

A: Mississippi has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases. Generally, you have three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. However, it’s critical to act quickly because:

• Evidence disappears
• Witnesses forget details
• Organizations may destroy records

Don’t wait. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Q: The fraternity says they’ve already punished the members involved. Do we still have a case?

A: Yes. Internal disciplinary actions by the fraternity do not prevent you from pursuing legal action. In fact, if the fraternity has already acknowledged wrongdoing, that can strengthen your case.

Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. How can we protect them?

A: We understand that hazing victims often fear retaliation. Here’s how we protect our clients:

• We handle all communications with the organization and their lawyers
• We advise you on how to protect yourself from retaliation
• We can request protective orders from the court if necessary
• We work to ensure your child’s safety throughout the legal process

Q: How much will this cost us?

A: At Attorney 911, we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis:

• You pay nothing upfront
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Our fee comes from your recovery, not from your pocket

This means Humphreys County families can pursue justice without financial barriers.

Q: What if the university says they didn’t know about the hazing?

A: Universities have a responsibility to monitor Greek organizations on their campuses. If they failed to implement proper oversight, they can still be held liable. In the Bermudez case, the University of Houston was held responsible because they owned the fraternity house and had a prior hazing incident in 2017.

Q: Can we sue the national fraternity organization?

A: Yes. National organizations can be held liable for:

• Failing to supervise local chapters
• Failing to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Knowing about hazing patterns and failing to act

In the Bermudez case, Pi Kappa Phi National is named as a defendant for failing to prevent hazing despite knowing about “a hazing crisis.”

Putting Fraternities on Notice in Humphreys County

To fraternities operating at universities near Humphreys County:

We are watching. We are ready. And we will hold you accountable.

The same legal strategies that secured multi-million dollar verdicts in cases like Stone Foltz, Max Gruver, and Timothy Piazza apply to your chapters. The same national organizations that paid millions in settlements oversee your chapters. And the same law firms that fought for those families are now fighting for Humphreys County victims.

If your chapter engages in hazing:

• We will identify every liable entity
• We will pursue every available insurance policy
• We will hold individuals personally accountable
• We will seek maximum damages, including punitive damages
• We will not stop until justice is served

The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston learned this the hard way. Your chapter could be next.

A Message to Humphreys County Parents

Humphreys County parents: your children deserve to pursue their education in safety. When you send them to college, you trust that universities and Greek organizations will protect them. That trust is being betrayed.

We’ve seen what happens when institutions fail to protect students:

• Waterboarding
• Forced exercise until muscles break down
• Physical beatings with wooden paddles
• Hospitalizations
• Deaths

This isn’t “tradition.” This isn’t “brotherhood.” This is abuse. And it must stop.

If your child has been hazed at a university near Humphreys County, know this:

• You are not alone
• You have rights
• You can fight back
• We will fight for you

Contact Attorney 911 for Humphreys County Hazing Victims

If your child has been hazed at a university near Humphreys County, contact Attorney 911 immediately for a free, confidential consultation.

📞 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911

📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com

🌐 Website: attorney911.com

We serve Humphreys County hazing victims nationwide. Our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont are here to help Humphreys County families, and we offer:

• Free consultations
• Video consultations for Humphreys County families
• Willingness to travel to Humphreys County for meetings and depositions
• Contingency fee representation – $0 upfront
• Aggressive advocacy against powerful institutions

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. And your rights expire.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911.