The Comprehensive Guide to Hazing Litigation for Families in Petronila, Texas

A Message to Petronila Parents: This is Happening in Texas

Imagine you just dropped your son at his first semester at the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi campus, just over 20 miles from your home in Petronila. The conversations are filled with excitement about making new friends and joining campus life. A few weeks later, a late-night phone call shatters that peace. Your child sounds distant, exhausted, and evasive about his new fraternity’s activities. He mentions “mandatory study sessions” that run until 3 AM, a “pledge fanny pack” he must carry everywhere, and a sudden fear of disappointing his “big brother.” The vibrant student you sent to campus is now a shadow, hiding injuries and struggling to explain why his urine is brown after an off-campus “workout.”

This is not hypothetical. Right now, in Texas, we are fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. In November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national fraternity, its Beta Nu chapter housing corporation, and 13 fraternity leaders. The allegations are harrowing and specific: forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting; being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”; 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion; and a “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms, a sex toy, and humiliating items required 24/7. The result? Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, was hospitalized for four days with brown urine, and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

This case is actively being litigated by our firm in Harris County. For families throughout Nueces County—including right here in Petronila—it serves as a stark warning: the brutal reality of modern hazing exists at Texas universities, and the consequences are catastrophic. This comprehensive guide is written specifically for Petronila parents and families to understand what hazing looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects victims, and what legal options exist when traditions turn toxic.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

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 help – that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
- Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority
- Sign anything from the university or insurance company
- Post details on public social media
- Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
Universities move quickly to control the narrative
We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

Hazing in 2025: What Petronila Families Need to Recognize

The Modern Definition of Hazing

For Petronila families unfamiliar with Greek life culture, hazing is not just “boys being boys” or “harmless pranks.” Under Texas law, hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in any organization. The critical legal point that surprises many Petronila parents: consent is not a defense in Texas. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the power imbalance, peer pressure, and coercion inherent in pledging environments mean the law protects them regardless.

The Evolution from Paddling to Digital Control

The hazing that might have occurred decades ago has evolved into sophisticated, digitally-enabled abuse. While physical violence persists, today’s hazing includes:

Digital Coercion & Control:

24/7 Group Chat Monitoring: Pledges required to respond instantly to messages at all hours
Location Tracking: Forced use of Find My Friends, Life360, or Snapchat Maps
Social Media Humiliation: Mandatory embarrassing posts on Instagram, TikTok challenges
Evidence Destruction: Instructions to use disappearing messages on Snapchat or Signal

Psychological Warfare Disguised as “Tradition”:

“Voluntary” Mandatory Events: Framed as optional but with clear social consequences for non-participation
Sleep Deprivation as “Brotherhood”: Late-night “study sessions” that are actually interrogation
Isolation Tactics: Cutting off pledges from non-member friends and family

Physical Abuse with Medical Jargon:

“Rhabdomyolysis Workouts”: Extreme exercise designed to cause muscle breakdown
“Team Building” That Hospitalizes: Dangerous activities framed as fitness challenges
Chemical “Bonding”: Forced consumption of dangerous substances masked as tradition

Where Hazing Happens Beyond Fraternity Houses

Petronila families should understand that hazing extends beyond Greek letters:

Corps of Cadets & Military Groups: Texas A&M’s Corps has faced multiple lawsuits alleging brutal traditions
Athletic Teams: From football to baseball, “rookie rituals” can cross into illegal hazing
Spirit Organizations: Texas Cowboys, cheer squads, and other tradition-heavy groups
Marching Bands & Performance Groups: Particularly during band camp seasons
Academic & Honor Societies: Even groups like pre-med clubs have documented cases

Texas Law & Liability: The Legal Framework Protecting Your Family

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Legal Shield

As Petronila residents, you operate under Texas law. The key provisions every family must know:

§ 37.151 Definition: Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers mental or physical health for purposes of initiation or affiliation. This applies on or off campus.

§ 37.152 Penalties: Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor, but becomes a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death.

§ 37.155 Critical Protection: Consent is not a defense. This means even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization and individuals can still be held criminally and civilly liable.

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability: The fraternity, sorority, or organization itself can be fined up to $10,000 per violation and face university expulsion.

The Criminal vs. Civil Distinction for Petronila Families

Criminal Cases (The State’s Role):

Prosecuted by district attorneys in Nueces County or the county where hazing occurred
Focus on punishment: jail time, fines, probation
Charges can include: hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases
Important: A criminal conviction is NOT required to pursue civil justice

Civil Cases (Your Family’s Path to Justice):

Filed by victims or families seeking compensation and accountability
Focus on recovery: medical bills, future care, pain and suffering, wrongful death damages
Defendants can include: individuals, local chapters, national headquarters, universities, housing corporations
Our firm handles civil hazing litigation to secure compensation for families like yours

Federal Laws Overlaying Texas Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires Texas universities receiving federal funds to publicly report hazing incidents
Mandates prevention programming and transparent disciplinary records
Phase-in period means more data coming in 2026 and beyond

Title IX & Clery Act:

When hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, Title IX protections apply
Clery Act requires reporting of certain crimes that often overlap with hazing
These federal laws can provide additional liability pathways against universities

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

The Alcohol Poisoning Script: Fatal Patterns

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):
A 20-year-old pledge died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event. The case resulted in a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, $3M from BGSU) and multiple criminal convictions. Why this matters for Petronila families: The same Pi Kappa Alpha national organization has chapters across Texas, including at universities where Nueces County students attend.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):
Pledge died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%) during a “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking. The case led to Louisiana’s “Max Gruver Act” making hazing a felony. Why this matters: Phi Delta Theta operates chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, and other Texas schools. The same “drinking game” script has appeared in Texas investigations.

Physical Hazing with Lasting Injuries

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021):
An 18-year-old pledge suffered permanent brain damage during a “pledge dad reveal” night, leaving him unable to walk, talk, or see. The family settled with 22 defendants. Why this matters for Petronila: The catastrophic injury pattern shows hazing isn’t just about fatalities—life-altering injuries create decades of medical needs and financial burden for families.

Texas-Specific Incidents Connecting to National Patterns

Sigma Alpha Epsilon at Texas A&M (2021):
Two pledges alleged being covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit during hazing, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. They sued for $1 million. Why this matters directly to Petronila families: Texas A&M is a common destination for Nueces County students, and SAE operates there and at other Texas universities.

Pi Kappa Phi at University of Houston (2025):
Our firm’s active case involving Leonel Bermudez shows how national patterns manifest locally. Pi Kappa Phi nationals had prior alcohol hazing deaths at other universities, yet similar patterns emerged at UH leading to rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.

Texas Universities: Where Petronila Students Attend and What Parents Must Know

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi: Your Local Campus

For Petronila families, TAMU-CC represents the most immediate university connection. Located just across the Nueces Bay, this campus serves many local students while maintaining Greek life that connects to the broader Texas A&M system.

Campus Greek Ecosystem Serving Petronila Students:

Active fraternities and sororities with both local and national affiliations
Proximity to home means parents might notice behavioral changes more readily
Corpus Christi metro area contains 21 Greek-related organizations according to our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine data

Documented Greek Organizations in the Corpus Christi Metro Area:
Our investigative directory includes entities like:

Alpha Sigma Phi – Iota Phi Chapter, Corpus Christi, Texas (IRS EIN: 831418972)
Sigma Chi Fraternity – Zeta Pi Chapter, Kingsville, Texas
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Corpus Christi Alumnae Chapter
Kappa Sigma Fraternity – Rho-Psi Colony, Corpus Christi, Texas

What Petronila Parents Should Know About TAMU-CC:

Hazing policies fall under the Texas A&M University System regulations
Reporting goes through the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards
Local jurisdiction involves Corpus Christi PD and Nueces County Sheriff
Critical Insight: Just because a campus is close to home doesn’t mean hazing is less likely—in some cases, proximity enables more frequent, off-campus hazing events

Texas A&M University-College Station: The Major Destination

Many Petronila students head to College Station, making Texas A&M’s main campus a critical focus area for our families.

Corps of Cadets Hazing History:
In 2023, a former cadet filed a lawsuit alleging degrading hazing including being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” position with an apple in his mouth during “Headhunter” week. The lawsuit sought over $1 million and highlighted systemic issues within the Corps tradition structure.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case:
As mentioned earlier, the 2021 case where pledges suffered chemical burns from industrial cleaner demonstrates that even prestigious fraternities engage in dangerous hazing at Texas A&M.

Greek Life Scale at Texas A&M:

Over 60 fraternity and sorority chapters
College Station-Bryan metro area contains 42 Greek organizations per our data
National fraternities with documented hazing histories operate here

Sample A&M-Area Greek Entities from Public Records:

Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc, College Station, TX (EIN: 133048786)
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc, Frisco, TX (EIN: 462267515)
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc, College Station, TX (EIN: 812525354)

University of Houston: Our Active Litigation Campus

While Houston is farther from Petronila, UH attracts South Texas students and represents where we’re currently fighting one of Texas’s most significant hazing cases.

The Bermudez Case Details Every Petronila Parent Should Know:

Timeline: September 2025 pledge period through November hospitalization
Methods: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation, forced overeating until vomiting, hose spraying “similar to waterboarding,” 100+ push-ups/500 squats under threat
Medical Outcome: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization, ongoing kidney damage risk
Institutional Response: Pi Kappa Phi chapter suspended then closed; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”
Legal Action: $10 million lawsuit filed in Harris County with 13 individual defendants plus organizations

UH Greek Life Context:

Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro contains 188 Greek organizations
UH hosts multiple fraternities and sororities across four governing councils
The campus has faced prior hazing incidents with other organizations

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency Leader with Ongoing Issues

UT Austin’s public hazing violations database provides unique insight, though patterns persist.

Documented UT Hazing Violations Include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
Texas Wranglers: Spirit group sanctions for alcohol-related hazing
Multiple organizations cited for forced workouts, humiliation, and policy violations

Why This Matters for Petronila Families:

UT’s relative transparency shows hazing happens even at elite institutions
Public records can support civil cases by demonstrating pattern and knowledge
Austin-Round Rock metro contains 154 Greek organizations according to our data

Southern Methodist University & Baylor University: Private School Realities

While farther from South Texas, SMU and Baylor represent options for Petronila students and illustrate private university dynamics.

SMU’s Documented Issues:

Kappa Alpha Order suspended in 2017 for paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation
Private university status means less public disclosure than public institutions
Dallas-Fort Worth metro contains 510 Greek organizations—Texas’s largest concentration

Baylor’s Athletic Hazing Pattern:

2020 baseball team hazing resulted in 14 player suspensions
Religious affiliation doesn’t immunize from hazing culture
Ongoing Title IX scrutiny creates complex institutional response patterns

The Fraternity & Sorority Ecosystem: National Patterns in Local Chapters

Why National Histories Matter for Petronila Families

When your child joins a fraternity or sorority at a Texas university, they’re not just joining a local club—they’re joining a national organization with decades of history, including hazing patterns that repeat across the country. Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros, and we see the same national brands appearing in campus after campus, incident after incident.

The National Brands Operating in Texas with Documented Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):

National History: Stone Foltz death ($10M settlement), multiple other alcohol hazing deaths
Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and other campuses
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol consumption events leading to alcohol poisoning

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):

National History: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide, traumatic brain injury lawsuit at Alabama
Texas Presence: Chapters at Texas A&M (chemical burns case), UT Austin, UH
Pattern: Physical abuse combined with alcohol hazing

Pi Kappa Phi:

National History: Andrew Coffey death at Florida State
Texas Presence: UH chapter (our active case), other Texas campuses
Pattern: Extreme physical hazing leading to medical emergencies

Phi Delta Theta:

National History: Max Gruver death at LSU leading to felony hazing law
Texas Presence: Multiple Texas campuses including Texas A&M
Pattern: Drinking games disguised as “education” or “tradition”

How We Track These Organizations for Your Case

Our firm maintains what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a proprietary database built from:

IRS B83 Public Filings: 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations with EINs, legal names, and addresses
University Rosters: Verified chapter listings at all major Texas campuses
Metro-Analysis Data: 1,423 organizations tracked across 25 Texas metros
National Incident Database: Documented hazing cases by organization nationwide

Sample IRS B83 Entities Relevant to Texas Campuses:

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Waco, TX (EIN: 364091267) – operates in Houston and Beaumont metros
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, multiple Texas locations – academic honor society with campus chapters
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Prairie View, TX (EIN: 237279532) – NPHC fraternity with Texas presence

What This Means for Your Case:
When we take a hazing case, we don’t start from zero. We already know:

The legal entity names and EINs of organizations involved
Their national hazing history and patterns
How they’re structured (housing corporations, alumni associations, national HQs)
Where to find insurance coverage and assets

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Recovery for Petronila Families

The Evidence That Wins Cases in 2025

Digital Evidence (Most Critical):

Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage threads showing planning, boasting, or cover-up
Social Media: Instagram stories, TikTok videos, Snapchat snaps documenting events
Deleted Message Recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “disappearing” messages
Location Data: GPS trails from phones showing movement to off-campus hazing locations

Physical Evidence:

Medical Records: ER reports showing alcohol poisoning, rhabdomyolysis, injuries
Photographic Evidence: Injuries captured over time showing progression
Physical Objects: Paddles, “pledge fanny packs,” alcohol containers, costumes
Clothing: Items with blood, vomit, or chemical stains

Institutional Evidence:

University Records: Prior disciplinary actions against same organization
National Fraternity Files: Risk management reports, incident histories
Insurance Policies: Coverage documents for chapters and nationals
Property Records: Who owns houses where hazing occurred

The Damages Petronila Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical Expenses: Past and future, including hospitalization, surgery, therapy
Lost Educational Costs: Tuition for interrupted semesters, lost scholarships
Diminished Earning Capacity: If injuries affect future career prospects
Wrongful Death Expenses: Funeral costs, loss of financial support

Non-Economic Damages (Compensating Suffering):

Physical Pain & Suffering: From injuries and medical treatment
Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to participate in college life or activities
Reputational Harm: Social stigma and public scrutiny

Punitive Damages (When Appropriate):

Awarded to punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
Available when defendants knew risks and proceeded anyway
Texas has caps but exceptions exist for gross negligence

Our Litigation Strategy for Texas Hazing Cases

Phase 1: Immediate Evidence Preservation (0-48 Hours)

Secure digital evidence before deletion
Document injuries and obtain medical records
Identify and interview witnesses before they’re coached
Map the organizational structure of all involved entities

Phase 2: Investigation & Discovery (Weeks 1-12)

Subpoena university disciplinary records
Obtain national fraternity incident histories
Retain experts: medical, toxicology, Greek life culture, economics
Identify all insurance coverage sources

Phase 3: Negotiation & Settlement (Months 3-12)

Present comprehensive demand package
Negotiate with multiple insurers (chapter, national, university)
Use pattern evidence from national cases to establish foreseeability
Pursue structured settlements for long-term care needs

Phase 4: Trial Preparation (When Necessary)

We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial
This posture improves settlement outcomes
Federal court experience for complex multi-defendant cases
Jury experience from wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases

Practical Guidance for Petronila Parents, Students, and Witnesses

For Petronila Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Unexplained injuries with inconsistent stories
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
Personality changes: anxiety, withdrawal, defensiveness
Financial strain from unexplained expenses
Constant phone monitoring for group chat demands

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontational Approach):

“How are the social aspects of college going?”
“Are you feeling pressure to do anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
“What does the new member process actually involve?”
“Have you seen anyone get hurt during group activities?”

Immediate Action Steps If You Suspect Hazing:

Prioritize Safety: If in danger, call 911 or campus police
Preserve Evidence: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries
Document Everything: Write down dates, times, what was said
Seek Medical Care: Even if injuries seem minor, get documentation
Consult an Attorney Before Reporting: We can advise on strategic reporting

For Petronila Students: Protecting Yourself and Your Friends

Is This Hazing? Quick Self-Assessment:

Are you being pressured or coerced?
Would you do this if there were no social consequences?
Is the activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Are you told to keep secrets from university officials or parents?

How to Exit Safely:

Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
Send written resignation to chapter leadership
Avoid “one last meeting” where pressure might occur
Document any retaliation or threats

Evidence Collection for Students:

Screenshots: Capture full threads with timestamps visible
Photos: Injuries from multiple angles with scale references
Medical Records: Request copies of all treatment documentation
Witness List: Names and contacts of others who saw what happened

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

MISTAKE #1: Deleting Evidence to “Protect” Your Child

What Happens: Looks like cover-up, destroys case viability
Better Approach: Preserve everything—even embarrassing content

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the Organization Directly

What Happens: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Better Approach: Document quietly, then consult legal counsel

MISTAKE #3: Signing University “Resolution” Agreements

What Happens: May waive right to sue or accept inadequate settlement
Better Approach: Have attorney review ALL documents before signing

MISTAKE #4: Posting on Social Media

What Happens: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Better Approach: Private documentation only; let attorney control messaging

MISTAKE #5: Waiting for University Investigation

What Happens: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
Better Approach: Parallel preservation and legal consultation immediately

Why Attorney911 for Petronila Hazing Cases

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Advantage

When Petronila families come to us with hazing concerns, we don’t start from scratch. Our proprietary Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine gives us immediate insights into:

Organizational Structure: We know the legal entities behind campus chapters
Pattern Recognition: National hazing histories that establish foreseeability
Insurance Mapping: Where coverage likely exists across multiple policies
Prior Incidents: University disciplinary histories for same organizations

Lupe Peña’s Insurance Insider Knowledge

Mr. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers:

Value and undervalue hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
Set reserves and negotiate settlements

His insider perspective means we anticipate their moves and counter effectively. As a fluent Spanish speaker and third-generation Texan with South Texas roots, Mr. Peña connects particularly well with Nueces County families.

Ralph Manginello’s Complex Litigation Experience

Ralph Manginello’s background includes:

BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: One of few Texas firms involved against billion-dollar defendants
Federal Court Practice: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
HCCLA Membership: Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association credential
25+ Years Practice: Since 1998, founding his firm in 2001

This experience translates directly to hazing cases where we face:

National fraternities with unlimited legal budgets
University general counsel offices
Complex insurance coverage fights
Multi-defendant coordination challenges

Our Proven Results in Serious Injury Cases

While every case is unique, our firm has recovered millions for clients in:

Wrongful Death Cases: Families facing unimaginable loss
Catastrophic Injuries: Brain damage, paralysis, permanent disability
Complex Institutional Cases: Against corporations, universities, organizations

We apply this same rigorous approach to hazing cases, working with:

Medical experts to document injuries
Economists to calculate lifetime costs
Life care planners for future needs
Digital forensics specialists to recover evidence

Call to Action for Petronila Families

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

If hazing has impacted your family—whether your child attends TAMU-CC just across the bay, Texas A&M in College Station, or any Texas university—we are here to help. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Nueces County and the Petronila community.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911:

We Listen: We’ll hear your story without judgment or interruption
We Educate: Explain Texas hazing law and your family’s rights
We Assess: Review any evidence you’ve preserved
We Strategize: Outline potential legal pathways
We Empower: Help you make informed decisions about next steps

No pressure to hire us on the spot. Take the time you need. Everything you share is confidential.

Contact Attorney911 Today

Phone: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Spanish Services: lupe@atty911.com (Hablamos Español)

Our Commitment to Petronila Families

We understand that hazing cases involve:

Emotional Trauma: For victims and families
Institutional Power Imbalance: Students vs. universities and national organizations
Complex Legal Dynamics: Criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings
Privacy Concerns: Protecting your child’s identity and future

Our approach balances:

Aggressive Investigation: Uncovering the full truth
Compassionate Advocacy: Supporting your family through the process
Strategic Litigation: Pursuing maximum accountability
Preventive Focus: Helping ensure no other family suffers similarly

Plain Text Resources for Petronila Families

News Coverage of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Case Every Parent Should Review

Click2Houston Investigation:
“Urine was brown: Pledge sues over severe hazing at University of Houston’s shut down Pi Kappa Phi fraternity”
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 Eyewitness News:
“Waterboarding, forced eating, physical punishment: Lawsuit alleges abuse faced by injured pledge at UH’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity”
https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

Educational Videos for Evidence Preservation

Using Your Phone to Document Evidence:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Texas Statutes of Limitations Explained:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

Our Firm’s Practice Areas Relevant to Hazing Cases

Wrongful Death Experience:
https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Criminal Defense Capability:
https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.

Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many other factors.

If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified Texas attorney who can review your specific situation, explain your legal rights, and advise you on the best course of action for your family.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com