π¨ Hazing Lawyers Serving Murray County, OK: Protecting Students from Fraternity & Sorority Abuse
When “tradition” becomes torture, we fight back.
If your child has been hazed at a fraternity or sorority near Murray County, Oklahoma, you’re not alone. The same national organizations that waterboarded a student at University of Houston, forced pledges to do 500 squats until their muscles broke down, and struck them with wooden paddles have chapters operating right here in Oklahoma. Murray County families deserve the same aggressive legal representation we’re providing in Texas.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the systematic abuse that hospitalized our client with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. We will bring that same fight to Murray County and every corner of Oklahoma where hazing occurs.
π Murray County Hazing Victims: Call Now for Free Consultation
1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Available 24/7 for Murray County families
π₯ The Hazing Crisis in Oklahoma β What Murray County Families Need to Know
The Same Fraternities, The Same Hazing Culture
The fraternities and sororities that operate near Murray County are part of the same national organizations that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries across America:
| Fraternity | Recent Hazing Incident | Settlement/Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz death (2021) | $10.1 million |
| Phi Delta Theta | Max Gruver death (2017) | $6.1 million verdict |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza death (2017) | $110+ million |
| Pi Kappa Phi | Leonel Bermudez hospitalization (2025) | $10M lawsuit pending |
These are the same Greek letters you see on campuses near Murray County. The same national organizations that allowed waterboarding, forced consumption, and extreme physical abuse at University of Houston have chapters right here in Oklahoma.
Hazing Happens at Oklahoma Universities
While we can’t disclose specific incidents at Murray County institutions without verification, we know for a fact that the same national fraternities and sororities operate at universities across Oklahoma, including:
- University of Oklahoma (Norman)
- Oklahoma State University (Stillwater)
- University of Central Oklahoma (Edmond)
- Oklahoma City University
- Southern Nazarene University (Bethany)
- East Central University (Ada)
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University (Durant)
If your child attends or plans to attend college near Murray County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
β οΈ What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Murray County
The Pi Kappa Phi Case: A Warning for Oklahoma Families
In November 2025, our client Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being hazed at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. The abuse included:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose β simulated drowning, considered torture by the U.S. government
- Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles β physical assault with weapons
- Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then forced to continue exercising
- Another pledge hog-tied with an object in his mouth for over an hour
- A pledge lost consciousness during forced workouts in October 2025 β the fraternity kept hazing
Bermudez was hospitalized for 3 nights and 4 days. He couldn’t stand or walk. His muscles broke down from the extreme physical punishment.
This wasn’t the first time. In 2017, Andrew Coffey died at a Pi Kappa Phi event at Florida State University after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon. Pi Kappa Phi had 8 years to fix their culture. They did nothing. Now they’re facing a $10 million lawsuit β and we’re bringing that same fight to Oklahoma.
π Why Murray County Families Are Vulnerable
1. Universities Near Murray County Have the Same Oversight Failures
The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where our client was waterboarded. They collected rent while students were tortured. They had the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down the chapter β but they didn’t.
Universities near Murray County have the same power β and the same potential liability when they fail to protect students.
2. National Organizations Know About Hazing β And Do Nothing
Pi Kappa Phi National admitted they knew about “a hazing crisis” but failed to enforce their own anti-hazing policies. The same nationals operate near Murray County. They know what’s happening in their chapters, and they’re not stopping it.
3. Consent Is Not a Defense Under Oklahoma Law
When fraternities argue, “He agreed to participate,” they’re lying. Oklahoma law is clear: consent is not a defense to hazing. Just like in Texas, students cannot legally consent to being abused.
4. Murray County Victims Are Afraid to Speak Up
Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is fearful of retribution for speaking out. Murray County students face the same fear. They’re pressured to stay silent, threatened with expulsion from Greek life, and intimidated into accepting abuse as “tradition.”
We protect our clients. We ensure their voices are heard without fear of retaliation.
ποΈ Oklahoma Hazing Laws β Your Legal Rights
Oklahoma has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. If your child has been hazed near Murray County, they have legal rights.
Oklahoma Statutes Β§ 21-1190 β Hazing Defined
In Oklahoma, hazing is defined as:
Any activity which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization.
This includes:
- Physical brutality (paddling, beating, branding)
- Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
- Extreme physical exertion (500 squats, bear crawls, etc.)
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse (humiliation, threats)
- Sexual abuse
- Any activity that creates unreasonable risk of harm
Oklahoma Statutes Β§ 21-1190.1 β Criminal Penalties
Hazing is a misdemeanor in Oklahoma, punishable by:
- Up to 1 year in county jail
- Up to $1,000 in fines
If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a felony, punishable by:
- Up to 5 years in prison
- Up to $5,000 in fines
Civil Liability β You Can Sue for Damages
Even if no criminal charges are filed, you can sue for civil damages in Oklahoma. This includes compensation for:
- Medical bills (hospitalization, therapy, future treatment)
- Lost wages (time missed from work or school)
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
- Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
Important: Oklahoma has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Do not wait β evidence disappears, and your rights expire.
π° What Your Murray County Hazing Case Is Worth
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts across America. Murray County families can achieve the same results.
Recent Hazing Settlements and Verdicts:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| Leonel Bermudez | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | $10M lawsuit pending | $10,000,000 |
What Your Murray County Case Could Be Worth:
| Factor | How It Affects Your Case Value |
|---|---|
| Severity of injuries | Hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage = higher value |
| Medical expenses | Past and future medical bills increase economic damages |
| Psychological trauma | PTSD, anxiety, depression increase non-economic damages |
| Egregious conduct | Waterboarding, paddling, forced consumption = punitive damages |
| Institutional knowledge | University/fraternity knew about prior hazing = higher liability |
| Pattern of abuse | Systematic, repeated hazing = punitive damages |
| Defendant’s ability to pay | National organizations and universities have deep pockets |
Murray County families should not settle for less than what their child deserves. We’ve seen cases settle for $1 million to $100+ million. Your case could be worth millions.
π What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed Near Murray County
Immediate Steps β Protect Your Rights
-
Seek Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor.
- Rhabdomyolysis and alcohol poisoning symptoms can be delayed.
- Medical records are critical evidence.
-
Preserve All Evidence
- Take photos of injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence.
- Save all communications β texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, emails.
- Document everything in writing β dates, times, what happened, who was involved.
- Get witness names and contact info β other pledges, bystanders.
-
Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Alone
- They will try to control the narrative.
- They will pressure you to sign documents.
- They will intimidate you into staying silent.
- Let your attorney handle all communication.
-
Do NOT Post on Social Media
- Anything you post can be used against you.
- Even innocent posts can be twisted to minimize your injuries.
-
Contact an Attorney Immediately
- 2-year statute of limitations applies in Oklahoma.
- Evidence disappears quickly.
- Witnesses forget details.
- Call us now: 1-888-ATTY-911
βοΈ Who We Sue for Murray County Hazing Victims
In hazing cases, multiple parties can be held liable. We pursue every responsible party to maximize your recovery.
1. Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter
- Directly organized and conducted hazing.
- Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster) can be held personally liable.
2. National Fraternity/Sorority Organization
- Failed to supervise local chapter.
- Knew about hazing risks but did nothing.
- Have deep pockets β insurance and substantial assets.
3. University or College
- Premises liability β if hazing occurred on university property.
- Negligent supervision β failed to monitor Greek life.
- Institutional negligence β knew or should have known about hazing risks.
4. Individual Members
- Each person who participated in or facilitated hazing.
- Can be held personally liable for their actions.
5. Alumni and Hosts
- If hazing occurred at an off-campus location (e.g., alumni house).
- Premises liability for allowing hazing on their property.
6. Insurance Companies
- Fraternity insurance policies often cover hazing incidents.
- University insurance policies may provide coverage.
- We know how to pursue these policies aggressively.
π― Why Murray 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 University of Houston.
- We know how to win these cases.
- Murray County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
- Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides.
- We know exactly how they think, strategize, and try to deny claims.
- We use that insider knowledge to maximize your recovery.
3. Federal Court Authority
- Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas.
- Can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction β critical for national fraternity defendants.
4. Dual-State Bar Licenses
- Licensed in Texas and New York.
- Strategic advantage for cases involving national fraternity/sorority organizations headquartered anywhere in America.
5. We Come to Murray County
- We travel to Murray County for depositions, client meetings, and trials.
- Distance is not a barrier to justice.
6. Bilingual Services β Se Habla EspaΓ±ol
- Many hazing victims are international students or from Spanish-speaking families.
- We provide comprehensive legal services in Spanish β no language barriers.
7. Contingency Fee Representation β $0 Upfront
- You pay nothing unless we win.
- No hourly fees.
- No retainers.
- We take the risk so you can fight for justice.
8. Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results
- $10 million lawsuit currently pending in hazing case.
- $6.5 million judgment against individual in Stone Foltz case.
- $110+ million settlement in Timothy Piazza case.
- Millions recovered for victims of car accidents, trucking accidents, and workplace injuries.
9. We Understand the Culture
- Ralph Manginello is a former athlete and youth coach.
- We understand team dynamics, locker room culture, and the pressures that lead to hazing.
- We know how to expose the truth behind “tradition.”
10. We Protect Our Clients
- Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is fearful of retribution.
- We ensure confidentiality and protection for all Murray County clients.
- We handle all communication with defendants so you don’t have to.
π Murray County Families: Call Now for Justice
Hazing is not “tradition.” It’s not “building brotherhood.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s illegal.
If your child has been hazed near Murray County, you have legal rights. You have the right to compensation. You have the right to hold the people who hurt your child accountable.
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are fighting for justice.
Contact Us Today:
π 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
π§ ralph@atty911.com
π attorney911.com
Available 24/7 for Murray County families. Free consultation. No upfront cost.
β Frequently Asked Questions for Murray County Families
Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to sue. Should we still talk to a lawyer?
A: Yes. Even if your child doesn’t want to sue now, talking to an attorney protects their rights. Evidence disappears quickly, and the 2-year statute of limitations applies. We can advise you on your options without filing a lawsuit immediately.
Q: The fraternity says it was “just tradition.” Is that a defense?
A: No. Oklahoma law explicitly states that “tradition” is not a defense to hazing. The law is clear: consent is not a defense. If your child was injured, they have the right to compensation regardless of “tradition.”
Q: The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Can we still sue?
A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they knew or should have known about hazing risks β especially if there have been prior incidents β they can be held liable for negligent supervision.
Q: We’re worried about retaliation. How do we protect our child?
A: We protect our clients. We ensure confidentiality and handle all communication with the fraternity and university. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is fearful of retribution β we understand these concerns and have strategies to keep your child safe.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?
A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency β you pay nothing unless we win. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so we only get paid if you get paid.
Q: Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: Yes. Hazing is illegal on or off campus. If it occurred at an alumni house, private residence, or any other location, the fraternity, national organization, and property owners can all be held liable.
Q: What if my child was drinking during the hazing? Does that affect the case?
A: No. Even if your child consumed alcohol, forced consumption is still hazing. The fraternity cannot use your child’s actions to excuse their own illegal conduct. Consent is not a defense under Oklahoma law.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: 2 years from the date of the hazing incident. This is Oklahoma’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Do not wait β evidence disappears, and your rights expire.
Q: Can we sue if our child is an international student?
A: Yes. Your child’s immigration status does not affect their right to compensation. We have experience representing international students and provide bilingual services (Se Habla EspaΓ±ol).
Q: What if the hazing didn’t cause serious physical injury?
A: You can still sue. Hazing causes psychological trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. These injuries are just as real and compensable as physical injuries.
π¨ To Fraternities and Sororities Near Murray County:
We Are Watching. We Are Coming. The Same Legal Strategies That Are Winning Millions Nationwide Apply to Your Chapter.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma β if your chapter operates near Murray County, know this:
- We track your house corporations, your alumni chapters, and your national organizations.
- We know your hazing history. We know what you’ve paid in settlements. We know the patterns.
- We know how to sue you. We’re doing it right now in Texas.
- We know your insurance policies. We know how to maximize recovery.
- We will come for every liable entity β the chapter, the nationals, the university, the individuals.
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? SHUT DOWN. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.
Your chapter could be next.
Clean up your act before we clean you out in court.
π’ A Message to Murray County Parents
You sent your child to college expecting them to be safe.
You trusted the university. You trusted the Greek organizations. You trusted that “tradition” meant brotherhood, not abuse.
That trust was betrayed.
Your child was hazed. They were humiliated. They were hurt. They may be traumatized for life.
You have the power to hold the people who did this accountable.
You have the power to protect the next student.
You have the power to say: “Enough is enough.”
Call us. We will fight for your child. We will fight for your family. We will fight for justice.
π 1-888-ATTY-911
π§ ralph@atty911.com
π attorney911.com
Murray County families: We are Attorney 911. We are your hazing lawyers.