The Comprehensive Guide to Hazing Laws, Cases & Legal Help for Town of Mustang Families

A Parent’s Worst Nightmare: One Town of Mustang Student’s Story

Imagine your son from Town of Mustang, Navarro County, has just started his sophomore year at a major Texas university. He’s excited about joining a fraternity, hoping to find his place and build lifelong friendships. What begins as excitement turns into a horrific ordeal: forced to endure extreme physical workouts in a park, made to carry a humiliating “pledge fanny pack,” pressured to consume dangerous amounts of food and liquids, and threatened with expulsion if he doesn’t comply. By the time he’s hospitalized with brown urine and kidney failure, your family is facing a medical crisis that will have lifelong consequences.

This isn’t hypothetical. Right now in Texas, we’re actively fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country: the Leonel Bermudez $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit against the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. Like many families in Town of Mustang, Navarro County, Leonel’s family sent their son to college hoping for opportunity, only to face institutional betrayal when that trust was violently broken.

What This Guide Offers for Town of Mustang Families

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Town of Mustang, Navarro County, and across Texas who need to understand:

• What modern hazing really looks like in 2025 (far beyond the old stereotypes of paddling and harmless pranks)
• How Texas and federal law protect—or fail to protect—your child from hazing violence
• What we’ve learned from major national hazing deaths and how those patterns mirror what’s happening at Texas universities
• Specific information about hazing at the universities Town of Mustang families send their children to: University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, and other Texas campuses
• Your legal options when the institutions that were supposed to protect your child instead enabled their harm

For families in Town of Mustang whose children attend universities across Texas—whether commuting to nearby Tarleton State University in Stephenville (about 70 miles away), attending Texas A&M in College Station, or choosing schools like UT Austin or Baylor farther afield—understanding your rights and the realities of campus hazing is critical.

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 It Really Looks Like for Town of Mustang Students

Hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypes many Town of Mustang parents might remember. Today’s hazing involves sophisticated psychological manipulation, digital coercion, and physical violence that can leave permanent damage.

The Modern Definition of Hazing

For Town of Mustang families, it’s crucial to understand that hazing means any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. The critical point: “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal when there is peer pressure and power imbalance.

Assessment: Is This Hazing? A Decision Guide for Town of Mustang Students

Ask your child (or have them ask themselves):

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
• Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences, no fear of being “cut”)?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would the university or my parents approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
• Are older members making new members do things they don’t have to do themselves?
• Is this “tradition” really about initiation/earning membership, or is it just fun for older members?
• Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from outsiders?

If the answer is YES to any of these, it’s likely hazing.

Main Categories of Modern Hazing

Alcohol and Substance Hazing

• Forced or coerced drinking games (“lineups,” “Big/Little” nights)
• Chugging challenges with hard liquor handles
• Being pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances
• “Bid acceptance” parties that center on alcohol consumption

Physical Hazing

• Paddling, beatings, and physical assaults
• Extreme calisthenics (“smokings”) far beyond normal conditioning: 100+ push-ups, 500+ squats, bear crawls
• Sleep deprivation through mandatory late-night events
• Food/water restriction or forced consumption of excessive amounts
• Exposure to extreme cold/heat without protection

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

• Forced nudity or partial nudity
• Simulated sexual acts, degrading positions, humiliating costumes
• Acts with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones
• Public shaming in meetings or on social media

Psychological Hazing

• Verbal abuse, threats, and intimidation
• Social isolation from non-members
• Manipulation through fear of exclusion
• Forced confessions or personal disclosure

Digital/Online Hazing

• Group chat dares and “challenges” (GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord)
• Public humiliation via Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok
• Pressure to create or share compromising images/videos
• 24/7 availability demands through digital communication
• Location tracking demands (Find My Friends, Snapchat Maps)

Where Hazing Actually Happens

Town of Mustang parents should know hazing occurs in multiple campus contexts:

• Fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural councils)
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / military-style groups (especially at Texas A&M)
• Spirit squads and tradition clubs (drill teams, cheer teams, spirit organizations)
• Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, swimming)
• Marching bands and performance groups
• Some academic, service, and cultural organizations

The common threads: social status, tradition, pressure to belong, and systems of secrecy that keep abuses hidden from parents and administrators.

The Flagship Case: Leonel Bermudez vs. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi

Right now, our firm is actively litigating one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas, which serves as a critical example for what Town of Mustang families might face. The details of this case, as reported in major media outlets including Click2Houston and ABC13, illustrate exactly how modern hazing operates.

The Hazing Conduct: Concrete Details Every Texas Parent Should Recognize

• The “Pledge Fanny Pack” Rule: Leonel and other pledges were required to carry a fanny pack 24/7 containing condoms, a sex toy, nicotine devices, and other humiliating items. Failure to comply meant punishment or expulsion threats.
• Enforced Dress Codes and Schedules: Mandatory dress codes, hours-long “study/work” blocks, weekly interviews, overnight chauffeuring duties for members.
• Extreme Physical Hazing at Multiple Locations:
  • Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills
  • Cold-weather exposure in underwear
  • Lying in vomit-soaked grass
  • Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding” with threats of actual waterboarding
  • Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed immediately by sprints
  • The November 3 Workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, creed recitation under threat of expulsion
• Other Members’ Abuse: Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour; a different pledge lost consciousness during early-morning workouts at Yellowstone Park.

The Medical Catastrophe: From College Student to Hospital Patient

• Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis (severe skeletal muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure
• He passed brown urine, could not stand without help, and was hospitalized for four days
• Lab tests showed critically high creatine kinase (CK) levels, confirming rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury
• Ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage and long-term physical/psychological harm

Institutional Response and Defendants

The lawsuit names a comprehensive defendant universe:

• University of Houston
• UH System Board of Regents
• Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
• The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation
• 13 individual fraternity leaders/members (chapter president, pledgemaster, sorority relations chair, risk manager, and others)

Institutional actions following the incident:

• November 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspends the Beta Nu chapter
• November 14, 2025: Chapter members vote to surrender their charter; chapter is permanently shut down
• UH labels the alleged conduct “deeply disturbing”, promises disciplinary measures up to expulsion and cooperation with law enforcement, and credits Pi Kappa Phi HQ for decisive action

This case represents exactly what experienced hazing attorneys look for: specific conduct, medical documentation, institutional knowledge, and multiple potentially liable parties. For Town of Mustang families, it demonstrates that even at major Texas universities with established Greek systems, catastrophic hazing injuries are occurring right now.

Law & Liability Framework: Texas + Federal Laws That Protect Your Child

For Town of Mustang families, understanding the legal framework is essential for knowing your rights and evaluating your options.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code Chapter 37)

Under Texas law—which governs cases involving Town of Mustang students at Texas universities—hazing is specifically defined and criminalized in the Education Code.

§ 37.151 Definition (Simplified for Parents):
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
• Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Key Points for Town of Mustang Families:

• Can happen on or off campus (location doesn’t matter)
• Can be mental or physical harm
• Intent: Doesn’t have to be malicious; “reckless” is enough (knew the risk and did it anyway)
• § 37.155: “Consent” is not a defense: Even if the victim agreed, it’s still hazing if it meets the definition

Criminal Penalties Under Texas Law

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:

• Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (up to 180 days jail, fine up to $2,000)
• Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes injury that requires medical treatment
• State Jail Felony: If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death

Also Criminal:

• Failing to report hazing (if you’re a member or officer and you knew about it): misdemeanor
• Retaliating against someone who reports hazing: misdemeanor

Organizational Liability Under Texas Law

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability:
Organizations (fraternities, sororities, clubs, teams) can be criminally prosecuted for hazing if:

• The org authorized or encouraged the hazing, OR
• An officer or member acting in official capacity knew about hazing and failed to report it

Penalties for organizations:

• Fine up to $10,000 per violation
• University can revoke recognition and ban the org from campus

Why this matters for Town of Mustang families:
Shows that both individuals AND the organization can be held accountable criminally, and civil suits can target both as well.

Good-Faith Reporting Protections

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting:
A person who in good faith reports a hazing incident to university or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from the report.

Also:

• In medical emergencies, Texas law and many university policies provide amnesty for students who call 911, even if they were drinking underage or involved in the hazing themselves

Why this matters:
Encourages bystanders and victims to report without fear of getting in trouble. In practice: students often still fear retaliation or social consequences, but law protects them.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: What Town of Mustang Families Need to Know

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by the state (prosecutor)
• Aim: punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical hazing-related criminal charges can include:
  • Hazing offenses
  • Furnishing alcohol to minors
  • Assault, battery, or even manslaughter in fatal cases

Civil Cases:

• Brought by victims or surviving families
• Aim: monetary compensation and accountability
• Focus on:
  • Negligence and gross negligence
  • Wrongful death
  • Negligent hiring/supervision
  • Premises liability
  • Emotional distress

Important: Both types can run side-by-side, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. Many families in cases like Leonel Bermudez’s pursue civil litigation to obtain compensation for medical bills, ongoing care, pain and suffering, and to hold institutions accountable.

Federal Law Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

• Requires colleges that receive federal aid to:
  • Report hazing incidents more transparently
  • Strengthen hazing education and prevention
  • Maintain public hazing data (phased in by around 2026)

Title IX / Clery Act:

• When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations can be triggered
• Clery requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics; hazing incidents often overlap with those categories when there are assaults or alcohol/drug crimes

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Understanding potential defendants is crucial for Town of Mustang families considering their options:

• Individual Students: The ones who planned, supplied the alcohol, carried out the acts, or helped cover them up
• Local Chapter / Organization: The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if it’s a legal entity); individuals acting as officers or “pledge educators” can be key
• National Fraternity/Sorority: Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters; liability can hinge on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents
• University or Governing Board: The school or regents may be sued under certain negligence or civil-rights theories; key questions involve prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference
• Third Parties: Landlords/owners of houses or event spaces; bars or alcohol providers (under dram shop theories); security companies or event organizers

Important: Every case is fact-specific; not every party is liable in every situation. That’s why comprehensive investigation by experienced hazing attorneys is essential.

Understanding the Texas Greek Ecosystem: Public Records Directory for Town of Mustang Families

One of our firm’s unique advantages is our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database built from public records that helps us identify every potentially liable entity behind campus Greek organizations. For Town of Mustang families, understanding this ecosystem is crucial.

Why This Directory Matters for Town of Mustang Parents

If your child was hazed, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child’s campus. Many families don’t realize that behind each campus chapter, there may be multiple legal entities: house corporations, alumni associations, educational foundations, and national headquarters—each potentially carrying insurance and legal responsibility.

We maintain this directory so families never start from zero. When you work with us, we already know the names, EINs, and mailing addresses of the organizations that may hold insurance and responsibility for your child’s injuries.

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Town of Mustang Families

IRS B83-Registered Texas Organizations (Sample):

• KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC (EIN: 133048786) | 3007 EARL RUDDER FWY S, COLLEGE STATION, TX 77845-6681 | IRS B83 public filing
• GAMMA PHI BETA SORORITY INC (EIN: 161675890) | 115 WILD WICK WAY, THE WOODLANDS, TX 77382-1822 | IRS B83 public filing (ZETA RHO HCB)
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC (EIN: 201237505) | 4251 FM 2181 STE 230 PMB 480, CORINTH, TX 76210-4202 | IRS B83 public filing (BETA CHAPTER)
• BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC (EIN: 462267515) | 10601 BIG HORN TRL, FRISCO, TX 75035-6629 | IRS B83 public filing
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC (EIN: 475370943) | 5019 CALHOUN RD, HOUSTON, TX 77204-7005 | IRS B83 public filing (THETA DELTA)
• CHI OMEGA FRATERNITY (EIN: 740555581) | 2711 RIO GRANDE ST, AUSTIN, TX 78705-4018 | IRS B83 public filing (CHI OMEGA HOUSE CORPORATION)
• PI KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY (EIN: 746064445) | 1855 HIGHWAY 69 N, NEDERLAND, TX 77627-8843 | IRS B83 public filing (EPSILON KAPPA CHAPTER)
• SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY EPSILON XI CHAPTER (EIN: 746084905) | 4300 MARTIN LUTHER KING BLVD, HOUSTON, TX 77204-3067 | IRS B83 public filing
• TEXAS KAPPA SIGMA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION INC (EIN: 741380362) | PO BOX 470061, FORT WORTH, TX 76147-0061 | IRS B83 public filing
• PHI DELTA THETA FRATERNITY (EIN: 900927378) | 13211 LOST LAKE DR, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78249-3625 | IRS B83 public filing (TEXAS XI)

Cause IQ Metro Organizations (Texas-Wide Snapshot):

• Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington Metro: 510 total Greek organizations, including Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity (Fort Worth), Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation (Fort Worth)
• Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land Metro: 188 total Greek organizations, including Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (Houston), Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter (Houston)
• Austin–Round Rock Metro: 154 total Greek organizations, including Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corp. (Austin), Delta Tau Delta – Gamma Iota Chapter (Austin)
• San Antonio Metro: 86 total Greek organizations
• Lubbock Metro: 59 total Greek organizations, including Texas Tech Chapter of Phi Delta Theta Housing (Lubbock)
• College Station–Bryan Metro: 42 total Greek organizations, including Sigma Chi Fraternity – Eta Upsilon (Texas A&M)
• Waco Metro: 27 total Greek organizations, including Phi Gamma Delta – Tau Deuteron Chapter (Waco)

Total Texas Fraternities & Sororities (per Cause IQ analysis): 1,423 across 25 Texas metros

Universities Relevant to Town of Mustang Families

Town of Mustang families send their children to universities throughout Texas. Here are some of the campuses most relevant to our community:

Regional Campuses Near Town of Mustang:

• Tarleton State University (Stephenville, Erath County) – Approximately 70 miles from Town of Mustang
• Navarro College (Corsicana, Navarro County) – The closest community college serving our county
• Texas A&M University-Commerce (Commerce, Hunt County) – About 80 miles northeast

Major Statewide Universities Town of Mustang Families Commonly Choose:

• Texas A&M University (College Station, Brazos County)
• University of Texas at Austin (Austin, Travis County)
• University of Houston (Houston, Harris County)
• Baylor University (Waco, McLennan County)
• Southern Methodist University (Dallas, Dallas County)
• Texas State University (San Marcos, Hays County)
• Texas Tech University (Lubbock, Lubbock County)
• University of North Texas (Denton, Denton County)

For Town of Mustang families, this means your child could be hazed at a campus just an hour away or at a major university across the state. Texas hazing law and our firm’s statewide experience apply regardless of distance.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Town of Mustang Families Can Learn

The major national hazing cases set precedents that Town of Mustang families can rely on in Texas courts. These are not just distant tragedies—they establish legal principles and patterns that directly impact how hazing cases are investigated and litigated in Texas.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern: The Most Common Fatal Hazing

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (March 2021)

• Incident: 20-year-old pledge forced to consume entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little Night”; died from alcohol poisoning
• Criminal: Multiple fraternity members convicted of hazing-related charges
• Civil: Family reached $10 million settlement in 2023 ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
• Impact: Strengthened Ohio anti-hazing laws; Pi Kappa Alpha chapter permanently removed

Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (February 2017)

• Incident: 19-year-old pledge died from traumatic brain injuries after “bid acceptance” night with extreme alcohol consumption; falls captured on fraternity security cameras; brothers delayed calling for help
• Criminal: 18 fraternity members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts total
• Civil: Piazza family sued fraternity, individuals, and others; confidential settlements
• Impact: Pennsylvania enacted Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law; became one of largest hazing prosecutions in U.S. history

Max Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (September 2017)

• Incident: Pledge forced to participate in “Bible study” drinking game; died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
• Criminal: Multiple members charged; one convicted of negligent homicide
• Civil: Family settled; amount confidential
• Impact: Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (November 2017)

• Incident: Pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night”; pledges given handles of hard liquor
• Criminal: Multiple members prosecuted; majority pled guilty to misdemeanor hazing
• Impact: FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life; statewide anti-hazing movement in Florida

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (December 2013)

• Incident: Pledge blindfolded, weighted down with heavy backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual; died from traumatic brain injury; fraternity members delayed calling 911
• Criminal: Multiple members convicted; national fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter
• Impact: Pi Delta Psi banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years; fraternity fined over $110,000; landmark case for organizational criminal liability

Severe Injury (Non-Fatal) Pattern

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (October 2021)

• Incident: 18-year-old pledge forced to consume excessive alcohol during “pledge dad reveal” night; suffered severe, permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care)
• Criminal: Multiple fraternity members charged with hazing
• Civil: Santulli family settled lawsuits with 22 defendants, including fraternity; reportedly multi-million-dollar settlements
• Impact: Phi Gamma Delta chapter closed; national example of catastrophic non-fatal hazing injury

Texas-Specific Hazing Incidents

University of Texas at Austin – “Absolute Texxas” Spirit Group (2022)

• Incident: Spirit organization disciplined for hazing violations including alcohol/drug misconduct, blindfolding, kidnapping, and degrading new members
• Outcome: University disciplinary action; reinforced that hazing occurs in non-Greek organizations

Texas A&M University – Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns (2021)

• Incident: Two pledges alleged forced strenuous activity; substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, spit poured on them, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
• Civil: Pledges sued fraternity for $1 million; fraternity suspended for two years

What These Cases Mean for Town of Mustang Families

• Common Threads: Forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, cover-ups
• Legal Precedents: These cases establish that universities, national organizations, and individuals can all be held liable
• Settlement Values: Fatal hazing cases regularly settle for $1M–$14M; severe injury cases for $375K–multi-million
• Pattern Evidence: Courts recognize that when the same national organization has prior incidents, they had “notice” of the risks

For Town of Mustang families facing hazing at Texas universities, you’re operating in a legal landscape shaped by these national cases. The principles established—about institutional liability, punitive damages, and organizational responsibility—directly apply to Texas cases like the Leonel Bermudez lawsuit we’re currently litigating.

Texas University Focus: Where Town of Mustang Students Face Hazing Risks

Town of Mustang families send their children to universities throughout Texas. Understanding the specific hazing landscapes at these schools is crucial for prevention and response.

University of Houston (UH): Current Ground Zero for Texas Hazing Litigation

For Town of Mustang Families: While UH is approximately 180 miles from Town of Mustang, many Texas students choose UH for its urban opportunities and academic programs. Our current flagship case makes UH particularly relevant for understanding how hazing cases proceed in Texas.

Campus & Culture Snapshot:

• Large urban campus with mix of commuter and residential students
• Active Greek life with multiple councils: Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Council, Multicultural Greek Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council
• Approximately 60+ recognized Greek organizations
• Recent focus on hazing prevention following Pi Kappa Phi incident

UH’s Hazing Policy & Reporting:

• Hazing prohibited whether on-campus or off-campus
• Prohibits forced consumption of alcohol/food/drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and mental distress as initiation
• Reporting channels through Dean of Students, conduct offices, campus police
• Important for Town of Mustang families: UH posts hazing statements and some disciplinary information online

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses:

• 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha Case: Pledges allegedly deprived of food, water, and sleep during multi-day event; one student suffered lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table; chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and suspension
• 2025 Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Case (Our Current Litigation): As detailed earlier, resulted in chapter closure, national suspension, and $10M lawsuit
  dditional disciplinary actions involving fraternities for behavior “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” including alcohol misuse and policy violations

How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed:

• Involved agencies: UHPD and/or Houston Police Department, depending on location
• Civil suits typically filed in Harris County courts
• Potential defendants: individual students, local chapter, national fraternity/sorority, university, property owners
• For Town of Mustang families: Distance doesn’t prevent litigation; we handle cases statewide

What UH Students & Parents from Town of Mustang Should Do:

• How to report hazing at UH: Dean of Students, UHPD, online reporting forms
• Document prior complaints and past incidents if known
• Contact lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases to uncover prior discipline and internal files
• Understand that UH’s response in the Pi Kappa Phi case shows both action (chapter closure) and potential liability (current lawsuit)

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture & Greek Life Risks

For Town of Mustang Families: Texas A&M in College Station is approximately 110 miles from Town of Mustang, making it a common choice for Navarro County students. The combination of Greek life and Corps of Cadets creates unique hazing risks.

Campus & Culture Snapshot:

• Major research university with strong tradition and school spirit
• Active Greek life with approximately 60+ fraternities and sororities
• Corps of Cadets military-style program with approximately 2,400+ cadets
• Tradition-heavy environment with reported discipline and risk issues

Texas A&M Hazing Policy & Reporting:

• Zero-tolerance policy for hazing in both Greek life and Corps
• Reporting through Student Conduct Office, Corps Commandant’s Office, University Police
• Anonymous reporting available
• Important: A&M publishes some disciplinary outcomes but less transparent than UT Austin

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Lawsuit (2021): Two pledges alleged being covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts; fraternity suspended; pledges sued for $1M
• Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Lawsuit (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth; sought over $1M; A&M stated handled under internal rules
• Various Greek life suspensions for alcohol hazing, physical abuse, and policy violations

How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed:

• May involve University Police, College Station PD, or Corps investigative channels
• Civil suits typically filed in Brazos County courts
• Unique considerations with Corps cases: military-style chain of command, different disciplinary procedures
• Potential defendants: individuals, chapters, nationals, university, Corps leadership

What Texas A&M Students & Parents from Town of Mustang Should Do:

• Understand both Greek and Corps reporting channels
• Document everything—Corps cases often involve hierarchical pressure to remain silent
• Recognize that A&M’s tradition-heavy culture can normalize abusive behaviors
• Contact attorneys experienced with both Greek life and military-style hazing cases

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency & Repeated Violations

For Town of Mustang Families: UT Austin is approximately 160 miles from Town of Mustang, attracting students with its academic reputation and Austin location. UT’s public transparency about hazing violations is both helpful and concerning.

Campus & Culture Snapshot:

• Flagship Texas university with approximately 50,000+ students
• Active Greek life with approximately 60+ fraternities and sororities
• Strong tradition of student organizations beyond Greek life
• Notable: UT publishes public hazing violations online—more transparent than many peers

UT Austin Hazing Policy & Reporting:

• Comprehensive hazing prohibition in Student Conduct Code
• Public Hazing Violations page lists organizations, dates, conduct, sanctions
• Reporting through Dean of Students, UTPD, anonymous online forms
• Important for Town of Mustang families: UT’s transparency allows checking organization histories

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses (From Public Hazing Violations Page):

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; found to be hazing; chapter placed on probation with hazing-prevention education requirement
• Texas Wranglers (Multiple years): Spirit organization sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, punishment-based practices
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): Australian exchange student alleged assault resulting in dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose; student sued for over $1M; chapter already under suspension for prior violations
• Various other organizations sanctioned for alcohol hazing, physical abuse, sleep deprivation

How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed:

• Typically involves UTPD and/or Austin Police Department
• Civil suits usually filed in Travis County courts
• Advantage: UT’s public violations page provides ready evidence of prior incidents and patterns
• Potential defendants: individuals, chapters, nationals, university (though sovereign immunity considerations for public university)

What UT Austin Students & Parents from Town of Mustang Should Do:

• Check UT’s public hazing violations page before your child joins any organization
• Use UT’s relatively transparent system to your advantage in documenting patterns
• Understand that despite transparency, violations continue to occur
• Work with attorneys who know how to use UT’s public records in building cases

Southern Methodist University: Private University, Greek-Centric Culture

For Town of Mustang Families: SMU in Dallas is approximately 70 miles from Town of Mustang, offering private education with strong Greek presence. Private university status affects both culture and legal considerations.

Campus & Culture Snapshot:

• Private university with affluent reputation
• Strong Greek life dominance in social scene
• Approximately 30%+ undergraduate participation in Greek life
• History of hazing incidents despite anti-hazing policies

SMU Hazing Policy & Reporting:

• Prohibits hazing in all student organizations
• Reporting through Dean of Students, SMU PD, anonymous Real Response system
• Important: As private university, less public transparency than public institutions

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses:

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep; chapter suspended; restrictions on recruiting until approximately 2021
• Various other Greek organizations placed on probation or suspension for hazing violations
• Note: Private university status means fewer public records, but discovery in litigation can uncover internal documents

How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed:

• May involve SMU PD and/or Dallas Police Department
• Civil suits typically filed in Dallas County courts
• Consideration: Private university has fewer sovereign immunity protections than public universities
• Potential for uncovering internal documents through discovery that wouldn’t be publicly available

What SMU Students & Parents from Town of Mustang Should Do:

• Recognize Greek life’s dominant role in SMU social culture
• Understand that private university may handle issues internally with less transparency
• Document everything—lack of public records makes personal documentation more critical
• Work with attorneys experienced in private university litigation

Baylor University: Religious Identity & History of Scrutiny

For Town of Mustang Families: Baylor in Waco is approximately 85 miles from Town of Mustang, offering religious-affiliated education. Baylor’s history with institutional responses to misconduct is particularly relevant.

Campus & Culture Snapshot:

• Private Christian university
• Approximately 20,000+ students
• Active Greek life alongside religious identity
• Notable: Recent history of scrutiny over football and Title IX sexual assault scandal affecting institutional credibility

Baylor Hazing Policy & Reporting:

• Prohibits hazing in Student Policies
• Reporting through Student Conduct, Baylor PD
• “Zero tolerance” statements but history raises questions about enforcement
• Important: Religious branding can affect how hazing is perceived and addressed

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation; suspensions staggered over early season
• Various Greek life disciplinary actions
• Context: Baylor’s broader institutional challenges with transparency and accountability following sexual assault scandal

How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed:

• Typically involves Baylor PD and/or Waco Police Department
• Civil suits usually filed in McLennan County courts
• Consideration: Religious identity may affect jury perceptions and institutional responses
• Potential to leverage Baylor’s recent history of institutional accountability issues

What Baylor Students & Parents from Town of Mustang Should Do:

• Understand that religious affiliation doesn’t prevent hazing
• Document thoroughly—institutional responses may prioritize reputation
• Consider Baylor’s recent history when evaluating institutional credibility
• Work with attorneys experienced in private religious university litigation

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

For Town of Mustang families, understanding the connection between local chapters and their national organizations’ hazing histories is critical. When the same national organization has patterns of hazing across multiple campuses, that history can establish crucial legal liability.

Why National Histories Matter Legally

Many fraternities/sororities on Texas campuses (Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Phi, Kappa Alpha Order, etc.) are part of national organizations with decades of documented hazing incidents. These national histories matter because:

1. Foreseeability: When a Texas chapter repeats the same script that got another chapter shut down or sued in another state, that shows the national organization knew or should have known the risks
2. Pattern Evidence: Multiple incidents across states establish a pattern that courts recognize
3. Negligence Standards: National organizations with prior incidents may have higher duties to supervise and prevent
4. Punitive Damages: Repeated warnings followed by more incidents can support punitive damage claims

Organization Patterns Town of Mustang Parents Should Recognize

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike)

• National Pattern: Multiple alcohol hazing deaths including Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021) and David Bogenberger (NIU, 2012)
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor
• Local Texas Incidents: UH chapter involved in 2016 lacerated spleen case; UT Austin chapter sanctioned 2023 for forced milk consumption and calisthenics
• Legal Significance: National organization has paid multi-million dollar settlements; patterns show recurring Big/Little night alcohol hazards

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE)

• National Pattern: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide; organization eliminated traditional pledge process in 2014 in response
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU
• Local Texas Incidents: Texas A&M chemical burns lawsuit (2021); UT Austin assault lawsuit (2024)
• Legal Significance: Despite national policy changes, Texas chapters continue dangerous hazing

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

• National Pattern: Andrew Coffey alcohol poisoning death (FSU, 2017)
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UH (now closed), other Texas campuses
• Local Texas Incidents: Our current Leonel Bermudez case at UH involving rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
• Legal Significance: National organization had prior fatal incident, then Texas chapter repeats dangerous physical hazing pattern

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

• National Pattern: Max Gruver alcohol poisoning death (LSU, 2017) leading to Louisiana felony hazing law
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor
• Legal Significance: National organization has history of alcohol game hazing

How These Histories Impact Legal Strategy for Town of Mustang Families

When we investigate hazing cases for Town of Mustang families, we look for:

1. National Pattern Evidence: Subpoena national organization records showing prior complaints, incident reports, warnings
2. Policy vs. Reality Gap: Show national anti-hazing policies weren’t meaningfully enforced
3. Prior Notice: Establish national organization knew or should have known about risks based on other chapter incidents
4. Inadequate Response: Demonstrate prior violations resulted in minimal punishment (brief suspension, probation without real consequences)

This approach transforms what might seem like an “isolated incident” at your child’s Texas university into part of a documented national pattern—dramatically increasing leverage in settlement negotiations and potential damages at trial.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy for Town of Mustang Families

For Town of Mustang families facing a hazing crisis, understanding how cases are built is crucial for making informed decisions and preserving your rights.

Evidence Categories That Win Hazing Cases

Digital Communications (THE MOST CRITICAL)

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Signal, Telegram
• Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok comments, Facebook Messenger
• Fraternity/sorority apps: Organization-specific communication platforms
• Recovery capability: Digital forensics can often recover deleted messages

Photos & Videos

• Content filmed by members during hazing events
• Footage shared in group chats or posted on social media
• Security camera or doorbell footage at houses and venues
• Town of Mustang parents: Teach your child to screenshot immediately if safe

Internal Organization Documents

• Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” lists
• Emails/texts from officers about pledging activities
• National policies and training materials
• Meeting minutes or calendars showing planned events

University Records

• Prior conduct files, probation/suspension letters
• Incident reports to campus police or student conduct
• Clery Act reports and similar disclosures
• For public universities: Obtainable through public records requests

Medical & Psychological Records

• Emergency room and hospitalization records
• Surgery and rehabilitation notes
• Toxicology reports (blood alcohol, drug screens)
• Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses)

Witness Testimony

• Other pledges who experienced same hazing
• Members who witnessed but didn’t participate
• Roommates, RAs, coaches, trainers, bystanders
• Former members who quit or were expelled

Damages: What Town of Mustang Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses)

• Medical expenses: ER, hospitalization, surgery, medications, ongoing therapy
• Future medical care: Lifelong treatment needs for permanent injuries
• Lost earnings: Time off work for recovery
• Educational impact: Missed semesters, lost scholarships, delayed graduation
• Diminished earning capacity: Permanent disability affecting lifetime earnings

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Legally Compensable)

• Physical pain & suffering: From injuries and ongoing pain
• Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation, shame
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Can’t participate in activities they loved
• Reputational harm: Social stigma and difficulty transferring

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
• Emotional suffering of family members

Punitive Damages (When Available)

• Purpose: Punish especially reckless, willful, or malicious conduct
• When awarded: Defendant had prior warnings and ignored them; particularly cruel conduct; cover-up attempts
• In Texas: Statutory caps apply in many cases

How Damages Are Calculated: Real-World Examples from Similar Cases

Based on national hazing case outcomes that establish precedents applicable to Texas:

• Fatal alcohol hazing cases: $1M–$14M settlements/verdicts
• Catastrophic injury (non-fatal): $375K–multi-million settlements
• Severe physical injury with permanent effects: Settlement values increase with lifelong care needs
• Individual officer liability: Personal judgments against chapter presidents (e.g., $6.5M against Pi Kappa Alpha president in Foltz case)

Important for Town of Mustang families: Every case is unique. These ranges illustrate what similar cases have achieved, not guarantees. Factors affecting value include injury severity, evidence strength, defendant resources, jurisdiction, and attorney capability.

The Role of Insurance Coverage

National fraternities and universities often have insurance policies that may provide coverage, but insurers frequently argue:

• Hazing or intentional acts are excluded
• Policy doesn’t cover certain defendants
• Claims weren’t properly reported

Our Approach for Town of Mustang Families:

• Identify all potential coverage sources
• Navigate exclusion arguments with legal precedent
• Pursue bad faith claims if insurers wrongfully deny coverage
• Leverage our insider insurance knowledge (Mr. Lupe Peña’s former defense experience)

Practical Guides & FAQs for Town of Mustang Parents & Students

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical signs:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries (especially if excuses don’t add up)
• Extreme fatigue, exhaustion beyond normal college stress
• Weight loss or gain (from food/water restriction or stress)
• Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, calls at 3 AM, inability to sleep)
• Injuries to hands, back, legs from paddling or forced exercise
• Chemical burns, rashes, or skin damage
• Signs of alcohol poisoning or drug use

Behavioral & emotional changes:

• Sudden secrecy about fraternity/sorority activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
• Withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-Greek activities
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability, anger
• Defensive when asked about the organization
• Fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down”
• Sudden obsession with pleasing older members

Academic red flags:

• Grades dropping suddenly
• Missing classes or falling asleep in class
• Skipping exams or assignments to attend “mandatory” events
• Losing scholarships or academic standing

Digital/social behavior:

• Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
• Anxiety when phone buzzes or pings
• Deleting messages or clearing browser history obsessively
• Receiving calls/texts at all hours demanding immediate response
• Social media posts showing humiliating or concerning activities

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally)

1. “How are things going with [fraternity/sorority]? Are you enjoying it?”
2. “Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
3. “What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
4. “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable or that you wish you didn’t have to do?”
5. “Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
6. “Do you feel like you can leave if you want to, or would there be consequences?”
7. “Are they asking you to keep secrets from me or the university?”

The 48-Hour Action Checklist for Town of Mustang Parents

HOUR 1–6 (IMMEDIATE CRISIS):

• Medical: If injured or intoxicated, get to ER immediately
• Safety: Remove child from dangerous situation
• Evidence: Screenshot any messages they show you; photograph visible injuries
• Notes: Write down everything they tell you (date, time, what happened, who was there)
• Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance

HOUR 6–24 (EVIDENCE PRESERVATION):

• Digital: Help child preserve all group chats, DMs, texts (do NOT delete anything)
• Physical: Secure clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing
• Medical records: Request copies of all ER/hospital records
• Witnesses: Write down names and 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 attorney (Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911)
• Reporting decision: Decide whether to report to campus police, local police, Dean of Students (with lawyer’s guidance)
• Evidence backup: Upload all screenshots and photos to cloud storage
• Medical follow-up: Continue documenting injuries; see specialists if needed

For Students: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

How to Exit Safely

If you’re in immediate danger:

• Call 911 or campus police
• Get to a safe location (your dorm, a friend’s place, a public area)
• You will not get in trouble for calling for help in a medical emergency (Texas law has good-faith reporter protections)

If you want to quit/de-pledge:

• You have the legal right to leave at any time, no matter what they told you
• Tell someone outside the org first (parent, RA, friend) so there’s a record
• Send an email or text to the chapter president stating: “I am resigning my pledge/membership effective immediately”
• Do not go to “one last meeting” where they might pressure or retaliate
• If you fear retaliation, report that fear to the Dean of Students and campus police

Evidence Collection (For Students)

While it’s happening or immediately after:

1. Screenshots of group chats: Capture full conversations with timestamps, participant names visible
2. Voice memos/recordings: In Texas, you can legally record conversations you are a party to (one-party consent state)
3. Photos/videos: Injuries (immediately and over several days), locations, objects used
4. Save everything digital: Don’t delete anything even if embarrassed; back up to cloud storage
5. Medical documentation: If you go to ER, tell them you were hazed so it’s in the medical record
6. Witness information: Names and contact info for other pledges, members, bystanders

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

MISTAKES THAT CAN RUIN YOUR HAZING CASE:

1. Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

   • What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
   • Why it’s wrong: Looks like a cover-up; can be obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible
   • What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly

   • What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
   • Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare defenses
   • What to do instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation

3. Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms

   • What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements
   • Why it’s wrong: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often far below case value
   • What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without an attorney reviewing it first

4. Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer

   • What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
   • Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility; can waive privilege
   • What to do instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

5. Letting your child go back to “one last meeting”

   • What fraternities say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic”
   • Why it’s wrong: They pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that hurt the case
   • What to do instead: Once you’re considering legal action, all communication goes through your lawyer

6. Waiting “to see how the university handles it”

   • What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally”
   • Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute of limitations runs, university controls narrative
   • What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately; university process ≠ real accountability

7. Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer

   • What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process the claim”
   • Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements are used against you; early settlements are lowball
   • What to do instead: Politely decline and say, “My attorney will contact you”

Short FAQ for Town of Mustang Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in personal capacity. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts—contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action for Town of Mustang Families

Why Attorney911 for Hazing Cases: Texas-Based, Nationally Relevant Expertise

When your family in Town of Mustang faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. From our Texas offices, we serve families throughout the state, including Town of Mustang and surrounding Navarro County communities.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases:

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña’s Defense Background)

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

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello)

• One of the 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 and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience

• Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases with economist collaboration
• Experience valuing lifetime care needs (brain injury, permanent disability cases)
• “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise

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

Investigative Depth & Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine

• Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
• Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Database of 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros
• Experience obtaining hidden evidence (group chats, chapter records, university files)
• “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Spanish-Language Services for Hispanic Town of Mustang Families

• Mr. Lupe Peña speaks fluent Spanish
• Servicios legales en español disponibles
• Cultural understanding of Texas Hispanic families’ needs

How We Apply Our Broad Experience to Hazing Cases

Our experience in other complex practice areas directly strengthens our hazing litigation:

From BP Texas City Explosion Litigation:

• Experience against billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets
• Investigation skills for uncovering institutional knowledge of dangers
• Complex document discovery and expert testimony management

From Trucking Accident Investigations:

• Evidence collection skills (logs, records, electronic data) translate to hazing (group chats, chapter records)
• Understanding of how organizations try to control narratives
• Experience with resistant insurance companies

From Wrongful Death Cases:

• Economic analysis for valuing young lives and future earning capacity
• Experience working with life care planners for catastrophic injuries
• Understanding of family grief and trauma

From Criminal Defense Practice:

• Knowledge of criminal hazing charges and penalties
• Ability to advise witnesses with potential criminal exposure
• Understanding of constitutional issues in searches of fraternity houses

Our Current Hazing Litigation: Leonel Bermudez vs. UH & Pi Kappa Phi

Right now, we’re actively litigating the Leonel Bermudez case—a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit that exemplifies everything Town of Mustang families should understand about modern hazing litigation:

• Multiple Defendants: University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi national, housing corporation, 13 individuals
• Severe Injuries: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, four-day hospitalization
• Specific Conduct: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation, forced consumption, extreme workouts, hose “waterboarding”
• Institutional Response: Chapter closure, national suspension, university condemnation
• Legal Strategy: Using pattern evidence, institutional liability theories, comprehensive damages approach

This isn’t theoretical—it’s what we’re doing right now for a Texas family. The same approach, expertise, and commitment are available to your Town of Mustang family.

Call to Action for Town of Mustang Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether at a nearby university like Tarleton State or a major campus like Texas A&M, UT Austin, or Baylor—we want to hear from you. Families in Town of Mustang, Navarro County, and throughout the surrounding region have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation:

What to expect in your free consultation:

• We’ll listen to your story without judgment
• Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
• Explain your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
• Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
• Answer your questions about costs (contingency fee – we don’t get paid unless we win)
• No pressure to hire us on the spot – take time to decide
• Everything you tell us is confidential

Clear contact information:

• 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 (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)

Spanish-language services:

• Hablamos Español – Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish
• Servicios legales en español disponibles

Clarify expectations (ethical compliance):

• “Reading this article does not create an attorney–client relationship.”
• “Every case is unique, and we cannot guarantee specific outcomes.”
• “An experienced attorney can review your specific facts, explain your rights under Texas law, and help you understand your options.”

Final message for Town of Mustang families:
Whether you’re in Town of Mustang, Navarro County, or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved have lawyers protecting their interests—you deserve the same protection for your family. Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate, confidential consultation.

Educational Resources for Town of Mustang Families

Attorney911 YouTube Educational Videos:

• Evidence Preservation: “Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Statute of Limitations: “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Common Mistakes: “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• Fee Structure: “How Do Contingency Fees Work?” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

External Hazing Resources (Not Affiliated With Attorney911):

• National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293) – Anonymous reporting
• StopHazing.org: https://stophazing.org – Research and prevention resources

University Hazing Violation Pages:

• UT Austin Hazing Violations: Public listing of organizational sanctions
• Other Texas Universities: Varying levels of public transparency

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