2 More Arrested After Southern University Student, 20, Died in Alleged Off-Campus Fraternity Hazing

Mar. 15, 2025

Isaiah Smith, Caleb McCray, Kyle Thurman.Photo:Baton Rouge Police Department via AP (3)

Baton Rouge Police Department via AP (3)

Two more suspects have been arrested in connection with thedeath of Caleb Wilson in an alleged off-campusfraternity hazing incident.

Kyle Thurman and Isaiah Smith were arrested for their involvement in Wilson’s death in February, the Baton Rouge Police announced in apress release. The third suspect Caleb McCray was arrested after turning himself in on March 7.

Thurman, 25, was arrested in Port Allen, La., on Monday, March 10. He was extradited to Baton Rouge and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison for the felony charge of criminal hazing, per the release.

Isaiah Smith turned himself into the police on Tuesday, March 11. He was also charged with criminal hazing and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

Caleb Wilson.Southern University and A&M College

Southern University and A&M College

It was later determined that Wilson died “as a direct result of a hazing incident where he was punched in the chest multiple times” while pledging the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, per police.

Omega Psi Phi fraternity members Thurman, 25, Smith, 28, and McCray, 23, allegedly “punched four times with boxing gloves” during the pledge, according to police. McCray “punched Wilson four times in the chest” before he “collapsed” and had a “seizure.” Wilson was allegedly transported “unresponsive” in Smith’s vehicle to the hospital in changed clothes, per the release.

On March 7, McCray was charged with criminal hazing and manslaughter after “turning himself in” with an attorney the night before, police announced at apress conference. He faces a prison sentence of up to 40 years.

McCray was released on a bond of $75,000 before 10 p.m. local time on March 7, before his arrest, perWAFBandWDSU.

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Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.Chad Robertson Media/Shutterstock

Chad Robertson Media/Shutterstock

McCray’s lawyer, Phillip M. Robinson, said in a statement to PEOPLE, “it is essential to remember that an accusation is not proof of guilt” and noted that he has “not been presented with any evidence to support such serious accusations.”

“I maintain my client’s innocence and urge the public to withhold rushing to judgment until all the evidence is heard,” he wrote.

Chief Morse said on March 7, that “over a dozen people” were interviewed during the investigation and there were “multiple search warrants” in a March 7 news conference.

Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards also said he had a “private meeting” with Wilson’s family while sending them his prayers and condolences.

Omega Psi Phi International President Ricky L. Lewisreleased a statementon behalf of the fraternity, extending his condolences to Wilson’s family and acknowledging the investigation.

“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,” Smiley shared on Instagram on Feb. 28. “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.”

The investigation is ongoing. PEOPLE has reached out to the Baton Rouge Police Department for updates on the case.

source: people.com