Hazing Lawsuits & Campus Abuse: A Guide for Skellytown, Texas Families
When your child texts you from college about “fun bonding nights” that leave them exhausted and suffering mysterious injuries…
When they suddenly start hiding their phone screen and can’t explain where they’ve been until 3 AM…
When they come home from their Texas university with physical bruises and emotional withdrawal they can’t—or won’t—explain…
For parents in Skellytown, this nightmare has become reality too many times. Located in Carson County in the Texas Panhandle, our community understands the value of hard work, tradition, and looking out for one another. That’s why when Texas families send their children to universities across our state, they trust that these institutions will protect their most precious investments. Yet right now, less than 400 miles from Skellytown in Houston, a Harris County court is hearing one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history—a case we are actively litigating.
The Case That Proves Hazing is a Texas Emergency: Leonel Bermudez vs. UH & Pi Kappa Phi
Right now, we are representing Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who nearly died from fraternity hazing. This isn’t a historical case or a news story from another state. This is happening now in Texas, with our firm leading the fight.
What Actually Happened at UH’s Pi Kappa Phi Chapter
According to detailed coverage from Click2Houston, ABC13, and Hoodline, here’s what Skellytown families need to understand about modern hazing:
Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter at UH in September 2025. What followed was systematic abuse that nearly killed him:
The Humiliation: Pledges were forced to carry a “pledge fanny pack” 24/7 containing condoms, a sex toy, nicotine devices, and other degrading items.
The Control: Strict dress codes, hours-long “study/work” blocks, weekly interviews, and overnight chauffeuring duties that deprived them of sleep and academic time.
The Physical Torture:
- Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, and “save-your-brother” drills
- Cold-weather exposure in nothing but underwear
- Being “sprayed in the face with a hose” in a manner “similar to waterboarding”
- Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed immediately by more sprints
- The November 3 “workout”: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, and creed recitation under threat of expulsion
The Medical Catastrophe: Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis—severe skeletal muscle breakdown that flooded his system with toxic proteins. He passed brown urine, couldn’t stand without help, and was hospitalized for four days with acute kidney failure. Lab tests showed critically high creatine kinase levels, confirming life-threatening damage. He faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney impairment.
The Institutional Response: The chapter was suspended November 6, 2025, and members voted to surrender their charter November 14. University of Houston called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion. But for Bermudez and his family, the damage was already done.
Why This Matters to Skellytown Families: This case proves that hazing isn’t “boys will be boys” or “harmless tradition.” It’s systematic abuse that can hospitalized your child and change their life forever. The same national organizations operating at UH also have chapters at universities where Skellytown students attend. The same dangerous rituals, the same insurance companies, and the same institutional cover-up tactics exist everywhere.
The Greek Ecosystem Serving Skellytown Families: A Public Records Directory
If you’re a parent in Skellytown, Carson County, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. We maintain a Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine that tracks every fraternity, sorority, and Greek-related organization in our state. Here’s what that means for your family.
Where Skellytown Families Send Their Kids to College
Based on our data and geographic patterns, Skellytown students typically attend universities in these categories:
Regional Campuses Near Skellytown & Carson County:
- West Texas A&M University (Canyon, Randall County) – Just 45 minutes from Skellytown
- Amarillo College (Amarillo, Potter County)
- Texas A&M University-Texarkana (Texarkana, Bowie County)
- Midwestern State University (Wichita Falls, Wichita County)
Major Statewide Universities Skellytown Students Attend:
- Texas A&M University (College Station, Brazos County)
- University of Texas at Austin (Austin, Travis County)
- Texas Tech University (Lubbock, Lubbock County)
- University of Houston (Houston, Harris County)
- Baylor University (Waco, McLennan County)
The Panhandle Connection: Many Skellytown graduates attend West Texas A&M University in nearby Canyon, which has active Greek life including organizations that are part of national systems with documented hazing histories.
Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Skellytown Families
We track 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. For Skellytown families, here are examples of the types of organizations we monitor in your region and across Texas:
Amarillo Metro Area Organizations (18 total Greek entities):
- Frank Heflin Foundation (Phi Delta Theta alumni), EIN: 203507402, Canyon, TX 79015 – “IRS B83 public filing”
- Kappa Alpha Order – Gamma Sigma Chapter, West Texas A&M University chapter, Canyon, TX
- Chi Omega – Upsilon Zeta Building Association, Amarillo, TX – Housing corporation
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Amarillo Alumnae, Graduate chapter, Amarillo, TX
- Phi Delta Theta Fraternity – Texas Theta, West Texas A&M chapter, Canyon, TX
- Delta Kappa Gamma Society – Zeta Zeta, Educators’ society chapter, Canyon, TX
Texas-Wide Organizations (Examples from IRS B83 Records):
- KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC, EIN: 133048786, College Station, TX 77845 – “IRS B83 public filing”
- ALPHA EPSILON PI FRATERNITY – MU GAMMA CHAPTER, EIN: 262025321, Denton, TX 76201 – “IRS B83 public filing”
- BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC, EIN: 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035 – Housing corporation
- SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY EPSILON XI CHAPTER, EIN: 746084905, Houston, TX 77204 – “IRS B83 public filing”
- TEXAS EPSILON UPSILON CHAPTER ALPHA DELTA KAPPA SORORITY, EIN: 760366414, Needville, TX 77461 – “IRS B83 public filing”
National Brands Operating in Multiple Texas Metros (IRS-Cause IQ Overlap):
- Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority: Appears in IRS records in Waco (EIN: 364091267) and Commerce (EIN: 752609909), and Cause IQ lists chapters in Houston and Beaumont
- Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi: Multiple IRS listings across Texas campuses, including Lamar University in Beaumont per Cause IQ data
- Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity: IRS records show Prairie View (EIN: 237279532) and Dallas (EIN: 521278573) entities, with Beaumont alumni chapter in Cause IQ data
What This Directory Means for Skellytown Parents: When your child is hazed, we don’t start from zero. We already know the names, EINs, mailing addresses, and organizational structures of the entities that may hold insurance and responsibility. This isn’t guesswork—it’s public records investigation that forms the foundation of every hazing case we handle.
Texas Hazing Law Explained in Skellytown Terms
What Texas Education Code Chapter 37 Actually Says
For Skellytown families dealing with hazing, here’s what Texas law provides in plain English:
Definition: Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act (on or off campus) directed against a student that:
- Endangers mental or physical health or safety
- Occurs for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership
Key Points for Skellytown Families:
- Consent is NOT a defense (Section 37.155). Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing.
- Location doesn’t matter – off-campus houses, retreats, and off-site events still count.
- Mental harm counts – not just physical injuries.
Criminal Penalties:
- Class B misdemeanor: Basic hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
- Class A misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
- State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death
Organizational Liability: Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation and banned from campus.
Good-Faith Reporting Protection: Students who report hazing or call 911 in emergencies have immunity from certain liabilities—even if they were drinking underage.
Criminal vs. Civil Cases: What Skellytown Families Need to Know
Criminal Cases:
- Brought by the State of Texas (prosecutor)
- Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
- Burden: Beyond a reasonable doubt
- Skellytown jurisdiction: Depending on where hazing occurred, cases could be in county courts where the university is located or potentially federal courts
Civil Lawsuits:
- Brought by victims/families
- Goal: Compensation and accountability
- Burden: Preponderance of evidence (more likely than not)
- What can be recovered:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost educational opportunities
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- In wrongful death cases: funeral costs, loss of companionship
The Critical Difference: A criminal conviction is NOT required to file a civil lawsuit. Many families pursue both tracks simultaneously.
Federal Laws That Protect Skellytown Students
Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, universities have federal obligations to investigate and respond. This applies to all schools receiving federal funding.
Clery Act: Requires universities to report certain crimes and maintain safety statistics. Hazing incidents often overlap with required reporting categories.
Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires increased transparency in hazing reporting and prevention programs, with full implementation by 2026.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Texas Hazing Case?
For Skellytown families considering legal action, here’s who may bear responsibility:
1. Individual Students
- Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
- Chapter officers who knew or should have known
- Members who supplied alcohol to minors
2. Local Chapters/Organizations
- The fraternity/sorority chapter as an entity
- Chapter housing corporations (like those in our public records directory)
3. National Fraternities/Sororities
2 Headquarters that set policies, collect dues, and supervise chapters
- Organizations with prior knowledge of similar incidents at other chapters
4. Universities
- Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) under certain negligence theories
- Private universities (Baylor, SMU) with fewer immunity protections
- Institutions that knew about problems but failed to act
5. Third Parties
- Property owners of off-campus houses
- Alcohol providers (under Texas dram shop law)
- Security companies or event organizers
Why National Headquarters Matter for Skellytown Cases
When we investigate hazing at a Texas university, we look at the national organization’s history. For example:
- Pi Kappa Alpha: Stone Foltz death at Bowling Green ($10M settlement), David Bogenberger death at Northern Illinois ($14M settlement)
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon: Multiple deaths nationwide, traumatic brain injury case at Alabama, chemical burns case at Texas A&M
- Phi Delta Theta: Max Gruver death at LSU (Louisiana felony hazing law named after him)
- Pi Kappa Phi: Andrew Coffey death at Florida State
These patterns matter because they show foreseeability. When a national organization knows certain rituals (like Big/Little drinking nights) have killed students at other chapters, they have a duty to prevent them everywhere—including at chapters serving Skellytown students.
Building Your Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Recovery
Critical Evidence That Wins Cases for Skellytown Families
Digital Evidence (Most Important Category):
- Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord—screenshot immediately before deletion
- Social media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok videos showing events
- Texts/DMs: Save entire conversations with timestamps
- Emails: Chapter communications, calendar invites to “events”
Photo & Video Evidence:
- Injuries photographed immediately from multiple angles
- Locations where hazing occurred
- Objects used (paddles, alcohol bottles, props)
Medical Documentation:
- ER reports mentioning hazing
- Lab tests (blood alcohol, toxicology, kidney function for rhabdomyolysis)
- Psychological evaluations for PTSD, depression, anxiety
University Records:
- Prior discipline against same organization
- Campus police reports
- Internal emails about the organization
Watch our video on using your phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Damages Skellytown Families Can Recover
Economic Damages:
- Medical bills (ER, hospitalization, surgery, therapy)
- Future medical care (for permanent injuries like kidney damage)
- Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
- Diminished earning capacity (for career-impacting injuries)
Non-Economic Damages:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, PTSD, humiliation
- Loss of enjoyment of college experience
Wrongful Death Damages:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of companionship for parents and siblings
- Emotional suffering of family
Punitive Damages:
- In cases of particularly reckless or malicious conduct
- To punish defendants and deter future hazing
Insurance Coverage Battles: Why Experience Matters
Fraternities and universities have insurance policies that often try to deny hazing claims. Arguments we frequently see:
- “Hazing is an intentional act, not covered”
- “The policy excludes criminal activities”
- “That defendant isn’t an insured under our policy”
Our advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows how these companies fight claims from the inside. We understand reserve-setting, delay tactics, and how to overcome coverage exclusions.
Practical Steps for Skellytown Parents & Students
If This Just Happened: 48-Hour Action Plan
Hour 1-6 (Immediate Crisis):
✅ Medical: If injured or intoxicated, get to ER immediately—tell them it’s hazing-related
✅ Safety: Remove your child from dangerous situation
✅ Evidence: Screenshot any messages shown to you; photograph visible injuries
✅ Notes: Write down everything they tell you (date, time, what happened, who was there)
✅ Call Us: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance
Hour 6-24 (Evidence Preservation):
✅ Digital: Help your child preserve all group chats, texts, social media—do NOT delete anything
✅ Physical: Secure clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing
✅ Medical records: Request copies of all ER/hospital documentation
✅ Witnesses: Write down names/contact info for other pledges, bystanders
✅ University: Note any communications from school but do NOT respond yet
Hour 24-48 (Strategic Decisions):
✅ Legal consultation: Speak with experienced hazing attorneys
✅ Reporting decision: Decide whether/when to report to campus/local police
✅ University response: If school contacts you, refer them to your attorney
✅ Insurance: Do NOT talk to any insurance adjuster without legal counsel
✅ Evidence backup: Upload all screenshots to cloud storage
Warning Signs Your Skellytown Student May Be Hazed
Physical Signs:
- Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries
- Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
- Weight changes from food/water restriction
- Sleep deprivation (late-night calls, 3 AM “meetings”)
Behavioral Changes:
- Sudden secrecy about organization activities
- Withdrawal from family and non-Greek friends
- Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, irritability
- Defensive when asked about the group
- Constant phone monitoring for group chat messages
Academic Red Flags:
- Grades dropping suddenly
- Missing classes or falling asleep in class
- Skipping assignments for “mandatory” events
Financial Red Flags:
- Unexpected large expenses (“fines,” forced purchases)
- Buying excessive alcohol or items for older members
- Requests for money without clear explanation
Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case
- Letting your child delete messages – This looks like cover-up and destroys evidence
- Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly – They’ll lawyer up and destroy evidence
- Signing university “resolution” forms – You may waive your right to sue
- Posting details on social media – Defense attorneys screenshot everything
- Waiting “to see how the university handles it” – Evidence disappears while you wait
Watch our video on client mistakes that can ruin your case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Why Skellytown Families Choose Attorney911 for Hazing Cases
Our Texas Hazing Litigation Credentials
The Active Case Proving Our Capability:
Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez vs. UH & Pi Kappa Phi case—a $10 million hazing lawsuit involving life-threatening injuries. This isn’t historical experience; it’s current, high-stakes litigation against a major Texas university and national fraternity.
Insurance Insider Advantage:
Mr. Lupe Peña (he/him) spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:
- Value and undervalue hazing claims
- Use delay tactics to pressure families
- Fight coverage under “intentional act” exclusions
- Deploy Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) to reduce settlements
Complex Institutional Litigation Experience:
Ralph Manginello’s background includes:
- BP Texas City explosion litigation – Taking on billion-dollar corporations
- Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
- HCCLA membership – Elite criminal defense credential critical for hazing cases
- 25+ years of complex litigation experience
Texas Geographic Mastery:
With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we understand Texas courts, procedures, and how different universities operate. We serve families across Texas, including Skellytown and Carson County.
Investigation Depth:
Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 metros. We don’t start from zero—we already know the organizational structures, insurance entities, and prior incident histories.
Bilingual Services:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish (Se habla Español)—critical for serving Texas Hispanic families affected by hazing.
Our Approach to Hazing Cases
We don’t just file lawsuits. We conduct investigations that uncover:
- Deleted group chats through digital forensics
- Prior incidents at the same chapter and nationally
- University knowledge and response failures
- Insurance coverage across multiple policies
- All potentially liable parties (not just obvious ones)
We build cases for trial because that’s what forces fair settlements. Universities and national fraternities know which lawyers will actually go to court—and which will settle cheaply to avoid the work.
Your Next Steps: Confidential Consultation for Skellytown Families
What to Expect in Your Free Consultation
When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, here’s what happens:
- We Listen: We’ll hear your story without judgment or interruption
- Evidence Review: We’ll discuss what evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
- Legal Options: We’ll explain your options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
- Realistic Expectations: We’ll discuss timelines, likely challenges, and potential outcomes
- Cost Explanation: We work on contingency—no fee unless we win
- No Pressure: Take time to decide—we never pressure immediate hiring
Statute of Limitations: Time is Critical for Skellytown Families
Generally 2 years from date of injury or death in Texas, but exceptions exist. Evidence disappears quickly:
- Group chats are deleted within days
- Witnesses graduate and move away
- Universities destroy internal records
- Insurance companies delay until deadlines pass
Watch our video on Texas statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Contact Attorney911 Today
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
Spanish Services: Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com
Fees: Contingency basis – no fee unless we win. Watch our fee explanation video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc
Plain Text Links to Key Resources
News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez Case:
- 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 timeline and details: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
- Hoodline $10M lawsuit coverage: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/
Attorney911 Educational Videos:
- Evidence preservation with your phone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
- Texas statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
- Client mistakes that ruin cases: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
- How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc
Main Website:
- Attorney911: https://attorney911.com
Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information, not specific legal advice. Reading does not create an attorney-client relationship. Hazing laws and university policies change; information is current as of late 2025. Every case depends on specific facts and evidence. If hazing has affected your family, consult a qualified Texas attorney for case-specific advice. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC serves clients throughout Texas from offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont.
