Three Southern University and A&M College students have been arrested in connection with the death of fellow student Caleb Wilson.
Wilson, 20, died Feb. 26 “as a direct result of a hazing incident where he was punched in the chest multiple times” while pledging into the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, Baton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morse said, per NBC News.
Suspect Caleb McCray, 23, turned himself in Baton Rouge police March 7 and was booked on charges of manslaughter and criminal hazing. Kyle Thurman, 25, was arrested in Port Allen, La. March 10, extradited to Baton Rouge and booked for criminal hazing. Isaiah Smith, 28, faces the same charge after turning himself in to authorities March 11.
Witnesses described the alleged hazing incident to police, stating that Wilson and eight other pledges were made to stand in a line and be punched four times with boxing gloves, according to arrests affidavit for Smith and Thurman.
According to the documents obtained by E! News, McCray punched Wilson in the chest, causing him to collapse and appear to suffer and lose control of his bodily function, urinating on himself.
No one at the event—which was held at a warehouse off campus—called 911, the police chief told NBC News. According to the affidavits, the witnesses told authorities that the pledges were moved to a separate room while the fraternity leaders attended to Wilson, who was then driven in Smith’s car to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
An autopsy revealed that Wilson had a small bruise on the right side of his chest, and his clothing had been changed prior to his arrival at the medical center, the documents stated.
The police chief also said authorities were initially told that a group of males dropped Wilson off at the emergency room and that he was struck in the chest while he was playing basketball and collapsed at a park, according to NBC News.
During a search of the warehouse, used by a flooring company, a pair of black boxing gloves were recovered in an office, police said in the affidavits. The investigation into Wilson’s death is ongoing.
Following his arrest, McCray’s lawyer Phillip M. Robinson denied any wrongdoing by his client. “It is essential to remember that an accusation is not proof of guilt,” he said in a statement to People, “I maintain my client’s innocence and urge the public to withhold rushing to judgment until all the evidence is heard.”
The university said in a March 7 statement that they immediately issued a cease-and-desist Order to the Beta Sigma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi fraternity, adding, “Every campus Greek organization is being informed that no additional membership intake can occur for, at minimum, the remainder of this academic year.”
Omega Psi Phi’s International President Ricky L. Lewis also issued a statement following Wilson’s death.
“It is with profound sorrow that we extend our condolences on the passing of Caleb Wilson,” he said on Instagram. “His loss is deeply felt, and our hearts go out to his family, friends, and all who were touched by him. Caleb was more than a beloved son, grandson, brother, nephew and cousin—He was a scholar, an exceptional member of the Southern University Marching Band, and a passionate and dedicated leader in student life.”
The statement continued, “We have been informed that the local authorities have launched an investigation into this tragic incident, and we fully support their efforts to seek the truth. Currently, our foremost priority is standing in unwavering support of Caleb’s family. We have extended ourselves to them and are ready to assist in any way possible during this difficult time.”
(E! and NBC News are part of the NBCUniversal family.)
