CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ – A lawsuit filed against 18-year-old Luke Humphrey, a senior wrestler at Delsea Regional High School, alleges he fatally struck 46-year-old father Oron Beebe outside Bobby Ray’s Black Horse Tavern in 2024, leading to manslaughter charges and a civil case that claims the teen had a history of aggressive behavior.
Jennifer Beebe filed the lawsuit late last month against Humphrey, who was 16 at the time of the incident, and the tavern where the confrontation began. According to the complaint, her husband was walking to his vehicle in a parking lot across from the Camden County bar when Humphrey “suddenly and without justification physically attacked, struck and punched [Oron Beebe] in the head, causing [Beebe] to fall to the ground and strike his head, and sustain catastrophic head trauma and other injuries which ultimately led to his death.”
The lawsuit alleges Humphrey “had a propensity for aggression, violence, or disruptive behavior, including but not limited [to] having a restraining order against him and having numerous disciplinary issues prior to this date.” The incident occurred after the teen and other area wrestlers were allegedly invited to the Black Horse Tavern to watch NCAA wrestling championships as part of the establishment’s effort to increase business.
According to the civil complaint, bar staff “permitted minors,” including Humphrey, to be present while alcohol was served and “permitted or failed to prevent the service and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages by such minors.” The lawsuit claims Humphrey and his parents were forced to leave due to disruptive behavior “for the safety of the patrons” inside, but the bar failed to implement measures to protect other customers from potential confrontation.
However, attorney Robert Agre, representing Humphrey in the civil case, strongly denied the drinking allegations. “He didn’t have any alcoholic beverages to drink,” Agre told NJ.com. Black Horse Tavern owner Bobby Ray Harris also disputed the claims, stating “None of these kids were drinking” and describing precautions taken to prevent underage drinking.
A criminal complaint obtained by NJ.com indicates Humphrey’s parents told responding police officers that the teen acted in self-defense. Humphrey’s father allegedly claimed Beebe threatened to “bury” the boy, while a witness reported hearing Humphrey “shouting that he knocked out the victim because the victim had threatened him.”
Humphrey was arrested and charged with “recklessly causing the death of Oron Beebe” in October 2024. A Camden County jury indicted him in April 2025, according to online court records. The teen is scheduled to stand trial in March while remaining out on bail.
Despite the pending criminal charges, Humphrey continues to compete on his high school wrestling team. His coach told NJ.com that the teen is allowed to wrestle because “he works hard” and “he’s earned the right to be here just like every other kid.” The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association confirmed there are no rules prohibiting student participation based solely on pending charges, provided the student is lawfully attending school without suspension and faces no court-imposed restrictions.
Jennifer Trexler, a close friend of the victim’s widow, expressed outrage over the decision to allow Humphrey to continue wrestling. “What a disgrace,” Trexler said. “I’m furious. He should not be rewarded in any manner.” Oron Beebe left behind three children and his wife Jennifer.
