As of March 11th
Baton Rouge police have arrested a second suspect in connection with the hazing-related death of Southern University student Caleb Wilson.
Authorities took Kyle Thurman into custody in West Baton Rouge on Monday, according to WSDU-TV. A third suspect, Isiah Smith, remains wanted. Both Thurman and Smith are reportedly facing felony hazing charges.
Caleb McCray, a former Southern University student and member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, turned himself in to police last Thursday. The 23-year-old is facing manslaughter and criminal hazing charges, Baton Rouge police said at a press conference on Friday.
His bond was set at $100,000—$75,000 for manslaughter and $25,000 for hazing. McCray has reportedly since been released from jail after making bond.
A lawyer for McCray maintained his innocence, asking the public not to rush to judgment “The charges brought against Mr. Caleb McCray are serious, and we acknowledge the gravity of this matter. However, it is essential to remember that an accusation is not proof of guilt. At this time, I have not been presented with any evidence to support such serious accusations. I maintain my client’s innocence and urge the public to withhold rushing to judgment until all the evidence is heard,” Phillip M. Robinson said in a statement.
“We are committed to ensuring that all facts are properly examined and that due process is followed. Many details being reported in the media may be incomplete, false, or lack proper context.”
Wilson, 20, was initially dropped off at a Baton Rouge hospital, with those accompanying him claiming he had collapsed while playing basketball at a park. However, police later determined that Wilson had actually been subjected to a hazing ritual at a warehouse, where he was repeatedly punched in the chest. An affidavit states that Wilson was hit at least four times before collapsing and losing bodily functions.
Southern University has announced a suspension of all Greek organization intake processes for the remainder of the school year.
Remembrance services for Caleb Wilson will begin on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Southern University with a visitation and a candlelight vigil that evening WAFB reports. His funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Kenner, Louisiana.
As of March 7th:
A Southern University graduate has been arrested in connection with the death of Caleb Wilson, a junior at the university, during what authorities describe as a fraternity hazing incident, WAFB-TV reports.
Caleb McCray has been taken into custody and charged with criminal hazing and manslaughter. Authorities had previously stated that charges in the case could range from hazing to manslaughter, with the latter carrying a potential sentence of up to 40 years in prison if convicted. WAFB reports.
McCray’s attorney has issued a statement addressing the charges against his client. Wilson’s death occurred on Thursday, February 27, during what officials say was an off-campus, unsanctioned fraternity ritual involving pledges and members of Omega Psi Phi; Wilson was punched in the chest before collapsing. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
As of March 6th:
The death of 20-year-old Caleb Wilson, a junior at Southern University and a member of its legendary “Human Jukebox” marching band, has shocked the Baton Rouge, Louisiana, community. Now, local authorities are investigating whether a possible act of fraternity hazing played a role in his tragic passing.
Wilson died on February 27, and while initial reports suggested he collapsed in a park while standing in line with others as part of the pledging process for the university’s chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, new details are raising serious questions about what really happened that night. On Tuesday, local news station WAFB-TV reported that sources now claim the incident took place in a warehouse off campus, where Wilson and eight other pledges allegedly endured blows to the chest as part of an unsanctioned fraternity ritual. When Wilson was hit, he reportedly collapsed and began to have a seizure.
Southern University Chancellor John K. Pierre acknowledged that “an off-campus incident is believed to have contributed to Caleb’s death” and that the university is “cooperating fully with the Baton Rouge Police Department, which is leading the investigation.” Pierre added, “This tragic loss leaves a void in our Jaguar family, and our thoughts and prayers are with Caleb’s family, friends, classmates and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
Adding to the concerns, sources claim fraternity members gathered after Wilson was taken to the hospital and allegedly coordinated a false story—saying he had collapsed in a park instead of at the warehouse, according to WAFB-TV.
Omega Psi Phi’s international president, Ricky L. Lewis, said in a statement that the fraternity is aware of the situation and supports authorities’ efforts to uncover the truth. “We recognize that many of you may have questions, and we are actively working to gather accurate information,” he said, according to the Associated Press. It remains unclear whether Wilson was an official member of the fraternity.
As the investigation unfolds, Wilson’s family has released a statement expressing the deep pain of losing him. “The loss of Caleb has left an unimaginable void in our hearts, but your kindness and compassion have provided some solace,” they said in a statement shared by WAFB-TV. Wilson’s family described him as a bright and talented young man with a passion for music and a promising future ahead of him.
In response to Wilson’s death, the university has suspended all membership intake for student organizations indefinitely. “Hazing is a violation of the University’s rules and regulations as well as Louisiana law, and it will not be tolerated in any form at Southern University,” the statement read.