An 18-year-old high school wrestler is facing charges for allegedly killing a three-child father outside a bar where he was drinking underage with his parents. A lawsuit has revealed that he was still allowed to compete for a New Jersey wrestling title while awaiting trial.
The incident took place in March 2024 when Luke Humphrey supposedly punched 46-year-old Oron Beebe in a Camden County parking lot, leading to a fatal head injury for Beebe.
Although Humphrey was arrested at 16 and charged as an adult with second-degree manslaughter, he transferred schools and participated in last week’s sectional wrestling championship, as reported by NJ.com.
His wrestling coach, Curt DeWoody, defended allowing Humphrey to compete, stating that he “works hard” and has “earned the right” like any other athlete.
In a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Beebe’s wife, Jennifer, against both Humphrey and Bobby Ray’s Black Horse Tavern, she claims that staff served alcohol to minors prior to the incident. Both the bar staff and Humphrey’s parents deny these allegations.
Jennifer Beebe’s complaint mentions that she and her husband had tried to exit the bar due to the behavior of Humphrey and his parents but felt “forced” to leave for their safety.
When outside, Beebe reportedly approached Humphrey’s car, and it’s claimed that Humphrey “suddenly and without probable cause” attacked Beebe. The complaint details that the altercation resulted in Beebe falling and sustaining fatal injuries.
A medical examination concluded that Beebe’s death was caused by blunt force trauma. His widow described the injuries as “ultimately fatal,” and he passed away in the hospital a week later.
Humphrey’s family asserts he acted in self-defense, claiming that Beebe had threatened him. A witness stated that Humphrey claimed Beebe was threatening him before the confrontation.
Humphrey was indicted for reckless homicide in October 2024 and further indicted by a jury in April 2025, as indicated by court records.
Humphrey’s attorney, Robert Agre, has denied that his client was drinking that night. Similarly, the owner of the Black Horse Tavern, Bobby Ray Harris, dismissed the allegations in the lawsuit, stating that such an incident would not occur under their supervision.
Previously a student at Camden Catholic High School, Humphrey transferred to Delsea Regional High School and participated in the district championship on February 18, although he did not win. His coach reiterated that he has the right to compete based on his hard work.
The New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association has no rules preventing students with pending criminal charges from competing. Jury selection for Humphrey’s trial is set to begin on March 4.
