BATON ROUGE, La. — Three men, including two former members of Omega Psi Phi fraternity, have been arrested in connection with the death of Caleb Wilson, a 20-year-old student at Southern University, following an alleged hazing ritual, authorities said.
The arrests come amid heightened scrutiny over hazing practices at historically Black colleges and universities. Wilson, a junior majoring in mechanical engineering and a member of Southern University’s acclaimed “Human Jukebox” marching band, collapsed during what prosecutors described as a physically abusive initiation ceremony on February 23 at an off-campus warehouse.
Isaiah Smith, 28, and Kyle Thurman, 25, both of Baton Rouge, were taken into custody this week on charges of felony criminal hazing, the Baton Rouge Police Department said. A third man, Caleb McCray, 23, surrendered to police earlier this month and was charged with manslaughter and criminal hazing.
According to investigators, pledges were forced to endure strenuous physical activity and struck with boxing gloves as part of the initiation process. During the ceremony, Wilson became unresponsive. Rather than calling emergency responders immediately, fraternity members drove him to a local hospital, where they initially told medical staff that he had collapsed while playing basketball.
The Louisiana State Police opened an investigation after inconsistencies emerged in the students’ accounts of the incident. The authorities later determined that the hazing took place at a warehouse owned by Smith’s father.
Wilson’s death has led Southern University to suspend all fraternity and sorority intake activities for the remainder of the academic year while officials conduct an internal review. Omega Psi Phi’s national leadership has also launched an investigation and pledged to cooperate with law enforcement.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Caleb Wilson,” the fraternity said in a statement. “Omega Psi Phi does not condone hazing in any form, and we are working with authorities to ensure accountability.”
Louisiana law classifies hazing that results in serious injury or death as a felony, carrying penalties of up to five years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. The case has reignited debate over the culture of pledging and the dangers associated with fraternity rituals, particularly within historically Black Greek-letter organizations.
A candlelight vigil held in Wilson’s honor at Southern University last week drew hundreds of students, faculty members and community members. Friends described him as a talented musician with a bright future.
As the investigation continues, authorities have not ruled out additional arrests.
