(GoRealNewsNow.com) – In a chilling development out of Baton Rouge, two more individuals face charges in the tragic hazing death of a Southern University student, who was repeatedly punched in the chest during a deadly fraternity initiation ritual.
See the tweet below.
Kyle Thurman and Isaiah Smith were taken into custody following the hazing death of 20-year-old Caleb Wilson, a mechanical engineering major who was pledging Omega Psi Phi fraternity.
They join Caleb McCray, who was the first suspect arrested in the case, facing serious charges of manslaughter and criminal hazing under Louisiana law.
According to Baton Rouge police, Wilson died “as a direct result of a hazing incident where he was punched in the chest multiple times while pledging to Omega Psi Phi.”
The brutal initiation ritual took place at a warehouse in Baton Rouge, not at a city park as initially reported.
The warehouse is reportedly owned by Smith’s father, highlighting the premeditated nature of this off-campus activity.
Most disturbing is that none of the fraternity members called 911 after Wilson became unresponsive.
Instead, Smith, who held the title “Dean of Pledges” and was responsible for the hazing ritual, took Wilson to the hospital in his vehicle and initially misled medical staff about what had happened.
McCray allegedly punched Wilson four times in the chest during the ritual. The cause of death is still pending further forensic testing, but police have clearly established the link between the punches and Wilson’s death.
Meanwhile, Southern University has banned membership intake for all student organizations indefinitely as a result of this tragedy.
Authorities have thoroughly investigated, interviewing over a dozen people and issuing multiple search warrants.
Thurman was apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force and Baton Rouge Police Department’s Violent Crimes Apprehension Team.
Under Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, hazing that results in death or serious injury is a felony carrying significant fines and imprisonment.
A graduate of Southern University and member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity has reportedly been arrested and charged with criminal hazing and manslaughterhttps://t.co/XJ3aYeRVTs
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) March 7, 2025
This law was enacted after another tragic hazing death and is meant to protect students from these dangerous initiation practices that have killed far too many young people.
McCray was released on a $75,000 bond, and his lawyer maintains his innocence, urging the public “not to rush to judgment.”
However, the evidence against the suspects appears substantial, with surveillance video showing Smith taking Wilson to the hospital after he became unresponsive from the repeated blows to his chest.
As more arrests may be forthcoming in this ongoing investigation, the case highlights the continued dangers of fraternity hazing and the need for stronger oversight of Greek life on college campuses across America.
Wilson, who was a member of the university’s renowned “Human Jukebox” Marching Band, will be honored with a public memorial at the school.
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