Two more people have been arrested in connection with the tragic death of Caleb Wilson, a 20-year-old student at Southern University. Wilson died after being punched during a fraternity hazing event that took place off-campus. The Baton Rouge police announced the arrests of Kyle Thurman, 25, and Isaiah Smith, 28, who now face felony criminal hazing charges.
Caleb Wilson, a junior studying mechanical engineering, lost his life in late February. Prior to these arrests, police had already taken Caleb McCray, 23, into custody. McCray is accused of punching Wilson four times, leading to Wilson collapsing and suffering a seizure. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Smith removing Wilson from his vehicle and taking him to the hospital. Initially, the group that brought him claimed he had collapsed while playing basketball.
Police Chief Thomas Morse Jr. stated that Wilson’s death was a direct result of the hazing incident. Smith, who held the title of "Dean of Pledges," was responsible for overseeing the hazing ritual. He turned himself in to authorities on Tuesday. Smith’s lawyer emphasized that his client did not physically harm Wilson and that no one was aware of any underlying health issues Wilson might have had.
Both Smith and Thurman were involved in the hazing of other pledges but are not accused of directly hitting Wilson. Smith’s father owns the flooring company where the incident occurred, but he has not commented on the situation.
Louisiana law, under the Max Gruver Act, makes hazing a felony if it results in serious injury or death. This law was named after a student from Louisiana State University who died from alcohol poisoning due to hazing. Those found guilty can face significant fines and prison time. The fraternity involved, Omega Psi Phi, may also face civil penalties and has been ordered to stop all activities for the time being.
In early March, a vigil was held for Wilson, attended by hundreds who remembered him as a passionate trumpet player in the university band. The incident has sparked discussions about the dangers of hazing and the need for stronger regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.