Three men have been following the death of Caleb Wilson, a 20-year-old Southern University student, according to The Associated Press. Wilson, a junior mechanical engineering major and trumpet player in the university’s renowned Human Jukebox marching band, reportedly died after suffering multiple blows to the chest with boxing gloves during an alleged Omega Psi Phi pledging ritual.
The Baton Rouge Police Department has arrested the following individuals in connection with Wilson’s death:
- Caleb McCray, 23: A Southern University graduate, McCray faces manslaughter and criminal hazing charges. He is alleged to have delivered the fatal blows to Wilson during the initiation event.
- Kyle Thurman, 25: Arrested in Port Allen, Louisiana, Thurman has been charged with felony criminal hazing after missing the deadline to surrender.
- Isaiah Smith, 28: Believed to have organized the hazing event at a warehouse owned by his father’s flooring company, Smith has been charged with felony criminal hazing. He reportedly transported Wilson to the hospital and provided misleading information about the circumstances of his injuries.
People.com reported that the hazing incident occurred on February 21, when Wilson collapsed during the pledging activity. He was later taken to Baton Rouge General Hospital, where fraternity members initially claimed he had been injured in a basketball game. However, police investigations revealed that the event took place in a warehouse, contradicting these initial statements.
Following Wilson’s death, Southern University took action by suspending the Omega Psi Phi chapter and halting all fraternity and sorority pledging activities for the remainder of the academic year.
