N.J. High School Wrestler Faces Manslaughter Trial as Civil Lawsuit Raises New Questions

A South Jersey high school wrestler awaiting trial on a second-degree manslaughter allegation competes for his team despite a new wrongful death lawsuit highlighting the fatal event in Camden County last year.

Luke Humphrey, 18, is suspected of killing 46-year-old Oron Carl Beebe in March 2024 with a single punch. The event occurred late at night outside a Mount Ephraim pharmacy. Police responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a brawl at 10:40 p.m., according to a criminal complaint. He was lying on the ground with a head injury when authorities arrived.

Authorities say Humphrey smacked Beebe in the head, knocking him back and onto the concrete. Beebe died eight days after arriving at Cooper University Hospital. According to an October 2024 affidavit of probable cause, the Gloucester-Camden-Salem Medical Examiner’s Office found blunt force trauma and homicide.

Humphrey was 16 when arrested. The prosecution waived his case to Camden County Superior Court, so he will be tried as an adult. His charges were filed in October 2024 and indicted by a Camden County grand jury in April 2025. He’ll be tried in March.

Jennifer Beebe’s January civil action has added new allegations while the criminal prosecution continues. The 11-count wrongful death complaint claims Humphrey “suddenly and without justification” attacked her husband, inflicting catastrophic injuries and his death. The lawsuit names Humphrey’s parents as defendants.

The lawsuit also names Bobby Ray’s Blackhorse Tavern in Mount Ephraim and its owner for allowing Humphrey to drink underage. The action also claims that Walgreens failed to provide proper lighting, monitoring, and security in its parking lot, which was known to be used by bar goers.

Humphrey’s lawyers deny he drank that night. The tavern’s proprietor also disputed underage drinking, saying Humphrey was there to watch the NCAA wrestling championships with coaches, teammates, and parents. He stated personnel were directed to keep alcohol from minors and that no student athletes drank.

The criminal and civil actions center on what caused the pharmacy encounter. Humphrey’s parents told authorities Beebe threatened him before the punch, so he acted in self-defense, according to the criminal complaint. According to a witness, Humphrey said he knocked out the victim after being threatened.

Beebe was well-known locally as a UPS employee and kid sports coach. Friends say he’s engaged and positive in local athletics. Humphrey’s high school athletics engagement has worried family and community members since his death.

Humphrey wrestled for Delsea Regional High School this season despite charges. In a sectional final bout this week, he was pinned in the second period. In Group 3 semifinals, Delsea will compete.

NJSIAA officials said pending criminal charges do not automatically disqualify a student-athlete. The organisation relies on member schools and judges to determine eligibility. A spokesman said a student who is properly attending school, not suspended, and not subject to court-imposed restrictions can participate.

After enrolling in the district in the autumn, attending in-person classes in December, and completing practice days, Delsea’s wrestling coach said Humphrey was eligible.

The civil complaint requests a jury trial but does not specify damages. Walgreens refuted the allegations in a February lawsuit.

As the March trial approaches, the case raises uncomfortable concerns about responsibility, school athletics, and how criminal charges affect student extracurriculars. No verdict has been reached in criminal or civil court.