BATON ROUGE, La. — The tragic death of Southern University student Caleb Wilson has led to multiple criminal indictments. Wilson, 20, collapsed during an off-campus event related to the Omega Psi Phi fraternity and later died from injuries sustained during what court documents termed a “hazing ritual.”
In March, three individuals—Caleb McCray, Kyle Thurman, and Isaiah Smith—were arrested in connection with Wilson’s death. Reports claim McCray repeatedly punched Wilson in the chest, leading to his collapse.
On Dec. 10, a grand jury indicted McCray for manslaughter and felony hazing. Thurman was indicted for felony hazing and three counts of obstruction of justice. Smith faces charges of principal to manslaughter, principal to felony hazing, and obstruction of justice.
Recently, two additional suspects, Winston Sanders and Jaeden Landrum, were also indicted for felony hazing and obstruction. Arrest warrants for them will be issued soon.
The hazing incident has sparked a broader conversation about Greek life on college campuses. According to a 2021 study by the Anti-Hazing Coalition, nearly 60% of college students involved in fraternal organizations reported experiencing hazing. This alarming trend has prompted many universities to reevaluate their policies and support networks.
After Wilson’s death, Southern University expelled the Omega Psi Phi chapter. The organization also rescinded memberships for the accused.
Wilson’s family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit. He was a junior majoring in mechanical engineering and a member of the Human Jukebox Marching Band. His family’s legal action highlights the deep emotional impact of hazing incidents and raises questions about accountability in college organizations.
These recent developments serve as a reminder of the ongoing need for awareness and change regarding hazing practices in schools. As more universities take a stand against hazing, it’s essential for students to know they have resources and support to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.
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