(StraightShooterNews.com) – Three arrests have been made in the tragic hazing death of Southern University student Caleb Wilson, who was beaten to death during a fraternity ritual.
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Caleb Wilson, a 20-year-old mechanical engineering major and member of Southern University’s “Human Jukebox” Marching Band, died after being repeatedly punched in the chest during an unauthorized Omega Psi Phi fraternity hazing ritual.
According to Baton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morse, Wilson died “as a direct result of a hazing incident where he was punched in the chest multiple times while pledging to Omega Psi Phi.”
The senseless violence has left a family grieving and raised serious questions about university oversight of fraternity activities that continue to claim young lives despite numerous laws prohibiting such dangerous traditions.
Three men now face serious charges in connection with Wilson’s death. Caleb McCray was the first arrested and charged with manslaughter and criminal hazing.
Kyle Thurman and Isaiah Smith were subsequently apprehended, with Smith reportedly holding the title “Dean of Pledges” and bearing responsibility for overseeing the deadly hazing ritual.
Perhaps most disturbing, investigators revealed that no one called 911 when Wilson became unresponsive, and Smith allegedly misled medical staff about what had happened when he finally took Wilson to the hospital.
The hazing did not occur on campus as initially reported but at a warehouse in Baton Rouge owned by Smith’s father, who runs a flooring company.
This off-campus location allowed the perpetrators to evade university oversight while conducting their dangerous ritual.
Moreover, police have thoroughly investigated, interviewing over a dozen people and executing multiple search warrants.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities warning that additional arrests are possible as they continue to uncover the full extent of who participated in or enabled the deadly hazing.
Southern University has taken swift action in response to this tragedy, indefinitely banning membership intake for all student organizations.
“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 school stated.
This incident highlights how liberal universities continue to struggle with controlling dangerous fraternity traditions despite numerous past deaths and increasingly strict anti-hazing laws across the country.
Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act makes hazing resulting in death or serious injury a felony, with penalties including significant fines and imprisonment.
McCray’s attorney is fighting the charges, stating, “I maintain my client’s innocence and urge the public to withhold rushing to judgment until all the evidence is heard.” McCray was released on a $75,000 bond while the case proceeds.
Another defense attorney called the incident “a freak accident,” claiming, “we’re not talking about force-feeding alcohol.”
This defense strategy attempts to minimize the violent nature of repeatedly punching a young man in the chest during an illegal hazing ritual – the kind of dangerous behavior that continues to claim young lives on college campuses.
“He was a bright light in Jaguar Nation, a dedicated scholar, and a proud member of the world-renowned Human Jukebox,” Southern University Chancellor John Pierre said in a statement.
He added, “Caleb Wilson’s kindness, passion, and unwavering spirit left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
A public memorial for Wilson has been scheduled at Southern University, and Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards has privately met with Wilson’s family to offer condolences.
The cause of Wilson’s death is still pending further forensic testing, though investigators have made it clear they believe the repeated chest strikes during the hazing ritual led directly to his death.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity International President Ricky L. Lewis issued a statement expressing condolences and claiming the organization is cooperating with authorities.
Still, the fraternity may face civil penalties for allowing this deadly tradition to continue despite being officially banned.
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