A 20-year-old student from Southern University passed away following an alleged hazing incident involving an off-campus fraternity in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in late February. The student, Caleb Wilson, lost his life as a result of a hazing ritual that involved him being punched in the chest multiple times while pledging to the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, according to Baton Rouge Police Department Chief Thomas Morse Jr. during a news conference on March 7. Three individuals have been charged in connection with Wilson’s death. Here’s what we know:
Arrests related to Caleb Wilson’s alleged hazing death:
– Caleb McCray, 23, has been charged with criminal hazing and manslaughter in connection to Wilson’s death. McCray turned himself in on March 6 and was taken into custody at East Baton Rouge Parish Prison, as reported by CBS affiliate WAFB. He was later released on bond.
– Two other suspects, Kyle Thurman, 25, and Isaiah Smith, 28, have been charged with criminal hazing, as announced by the Baton Rouge Police Department on March 11. Thurman was arrested on March 10, while Smith surrendered on March 11.
– Smith was identified as the Dean of Pledges of the Omega Psi Phi chapter involved in the incident, and Thurman and McCray are current members of the fraternity, according to arrest warrant affidavits reviewed by CBS News.
– In a statement, McCray’s attorney acknowledged the charges and stated that McCray should have the chance to prove his innocence in court.
The alleged hazing ritual:
– Wilson and eight other pledges of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity went to a warehouse belonging to a flooring company in Baton Rouge on Feb. 26 for a meeting, according to the arrest warrants. They changed into gray sweatsuits at the warehouse.
– McCray, Thurman, and Smith reportedly punched the pledges, who were lined up, wearing boxing gloves, as stated in the warrants. McCray was identified as the individual who punched Wilson four times in the chest.
– After being punched, Wilson appeared to have a seizure and collapsed, per the warrants. The other pledges were moved to a different room while some fraternity members attended to Wilson.
– Despite Wilson’s condition, no one called for help or sought medical assistance. Wilson was eventually placed in Smith’s vehicle and dropped off at the Baton Rouge General Medical Center by a group of males. The timeline between his collapse and arrival at the hospital remains unclear.
– Wilson’s clothing was changed before he was left at the hospital; he arrived wearing only black sweatpants and white socks. The individuals who brought him claimed he collapsed while playing basketball at a park, which was later found to be untrue.
– Wilson was pronounced dead at the hospital, and an autopsy revealed a small bruise on the right side of his chest. Further details about his cause of death were not disclosed.
– During a search of the warehouse, a pair of black boxing gloves
The warrant for his arrest stated that he caused bodily harm to the pledges. Following an incident involving Omega Psi Phi chapter, Southern University, a historically Black university, has initiated an internal investigation and directed the chapter to halt all activities. Moreover, Southern University System President Dennis Shields announced at a news conference on March 7 that all Greek organizations on campus are prohibited from accepting new members for the rest of the academic year. Students implicated in Wilson’s passing could be subject to expulsion.
Caleb Wilson, a 20-year-old junior majoring in mechanical engineering at Southern University from Kenner, Louisiana, was a member of the university’s marching band known as the Human Jukebox. Described as a talented trumpet player and a dedicated student, Wilson’s impact on those around him was profound. After his tragic death, a vigil was held in his honor, with mourners dancing and holding up pictures of him during a second line parade on campus.
Hazing is defined as any activity that puts a person at risk, embarrasses, or degrades them, often as a requirement for joining a group. It can take place in various settings such as college fraternities and sororities, school clubs, sports teams, the military, and workplaces. Southern University’s Greek Life Code of Conduct explicitly outlines what constitutes hazing and requires all organizations on campus to undergo thorough anti-hazing training.
Louisiana has strict anti-hazing laws, with hazing considered a felony under the Max Grover Act named after a Louisiana State University student who tragically died due to hazing. The law defines hazing as any intentional act that endangers another person’s physical health or safety or causes severe emotional distress, especially in the context of pledging or initiation.
Under the law, individuals are prohibited from affiliating with, participating in, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization. If hazing leads to a severe bodily injury or death, offenders may be fined up to $10,000 and sentenced to a maximum of five years in prison. In a recent 60 Minutes interview, Dan Hurley discussed various topics. A judge has halted the deportation of a pro-Palestinian activist who was instrumental in organizing protests at Columbia University. The dismissal of independent government watchdogs by Trump holds significant implications, as highlighted on 60 Minutes.
