High School Wrestler Accused of Killing Dad with Single Punch Outside Bar

A New Jersey community is outraged after an 18-year-old high school wrestler accused of delivering a fatal punch outside a bar is still being allowed to compete — even as he faces a manslaughter charge.

Luke Humphrey, a senior at Delsea Regional High School, is accused of striking 46-year-old Oron Beebe outside Bobby Ray’s Black Horse Tavern in Camden County in 2024. Prosecutors say the blow caused Beebe to fall, hit his head and suffer catastrophic injuries that later led to his death.

Now, Beebe’s widow, Jennifer Beebe, has filed a lawsuit against Humphrey and the bar, alleging the teen — who was 16 at the time of the incident — had been drinking with his parents before the attack and was removed from the establishment for disruptive behavior.

According to the civil complaint, Beebe and his wife had decided to leave the bar because of conduct being permitted inside. As Beebe walked toward his car in a nearby lot, Humphrey allegedly attacked him “suddenly and without justification,” striking him in the head and knocking him to the ground.

The lawsuit claims Humphrey had a prior “propensity for aggression” and references past disciplinary issues and a restraining order.

The bar had allegedly invited area wrestlers to watch the NCAA wrestling championships in an effort to boost business, the complaint states. It further alleges staff allowed minors to be present while alcohol was being served and failed to prevent underage drinking or visibly intoxicated behavior.

Beebe’s wife argues the bar removed Humphrey and his parents but failed to take additional steps to prevent a confrontation outside.

Humphrey’s parents reportedly told police their son acted in self-defense. His father claimed Beebe had threatened to “bury” the teen. A witness told investigators that Humphrey shouted he knocked Beebe out because he felt threatened.

Humphrey was arrested in October 2024 and later indicted by a Camden County grand jury in April 2025 on a charge of recklessly causing Beebe’s death. He is currently out on bail and scheduled to go on trial in March.

His attorney denies that Humphrey consumed alcohol that night, calling the allegation “strongly denied.” The bar’s owner also insists no minors were served and says staff were specifically instructed to prevent any alcohol from reaching underage guests.

Despite the pending criminal case, Humphrey continues to wrestle for his high school. His coach told NJ.com the teen has “earned the right to be here just like every other kid.” The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association says its rules do not automatically bar students from participating in sports due to pending charges, deferring instead to schools and the courts.

For Beebe’s loved ones, that decision has only deepened their grief and anger.

A close family friend called it a “disgrace,” saying the teen should not be rewarded in any way while facing such serious allegations.