A fraternity member from Southern University in Louisiana has been arrested after a new pledge died during a horrific hazing ritual.
Caleb Wilson, 20, was participating in an onboarding practice for the Omega Psi Phi fraternity at the prestigious college on February 27 when he suddenly collapsed.
He was rushed to Baton Rouge hospital, where he was declared around 3.15am.
On Thursday evening, Caleb McCray, 23, a fraternity member, was arrested in connection to Wilson’s death. He faces charges of manslaughter and felony criminal hazing.
Wilson, a mechanical engineering junior at the school, and eight others pledging the fraternity were punched by McCray and at least two other individuals wearing boxing gloves, according to a police arrest warrant affidavit reviewed by The Associated Press.
After McCray punched Wilson four times in the chest, Wilson ‘collapsed to the floor, becoming unresponsive,’ the affidavit said.
‘Wilson appeared to suffer a seizure and lose control of his bodily function,’ it added. No signs of trauma were found on Wilson’s body except for a ‘small bruise’ on the right side of his chest.
‘Caleb 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 fraternity,’ Baton Rouge Police Department Chief Thomas Morse Jr. said.
Caleb Wilson, 20, was participating in an onboarding practice for the Omega Psi Phi fraternity at the prestigious college on February 27 when he suddenly collapsed
On Thursday evening, Caleb McCray, 23, a fraternity member, was arrested in connection to Wilson’s death. He faces charges of manslaughter and felony criminal hazing
The East Baton Rouge Parish Corone’s Office was awaiting the results of additional testing but didn’t know when those would be complete, according to Chief of Investigations Shane Tindall.
McCray had no intention to ’cause death or great bodily harm’ to Wilson, the police affidavit stated.
McCray’s attorney, Phillip Robinson, said his client deserved due process.
‘I maintain my client’s innocence and urge the public to withhold rushing to judgment until all the evidence is heard,’ Robinson said in an emailed statement.
McCray and his family declined to comment, the attorney added.
The nine pledges – including Wilson – were allegedly lined up in the warehouse and forced to take blows to the chest.
When Wilson was punched, he reportedly fell to the ground and began suffering a seizure.
Wilson was initially brought to a hospital by a group of men who falsely said that he had ‘collapsed while playing basketball at a park’, but in fact had suffered injuries at a flooring company warehouse, Morse said.
Wilson, a mechanical engineering junior at the school, and eight others pledging the fraternity were punched by McCray and at least two other individuals wearing boxing gloves
His father (right) and other family members were seen at the vigil fighting back tears on Wednesday
The group left before police arrived at the hospital and no one contacted 911 at any point, Morse added. They changed Wilson´s clothing before bringing him to the hospital, the affidavit revealed.
Investigators were initially led to believe the incident took place off campus at North Sherwood Forest Community Park, and that Wilson suddenly collapsed without cause.
Insiders have since alleged the frat brothers and pledges participating in the ritual were never at the park on the night of Wilson’s death.
In Louisiana, hazing can be a felony under the Max Gruver Act, which passed in 2018 and was named after a Louisiana State University student who died of alcohol poisoning after hazing at the Phi Delta Theta fraternity house.
Under the act, if a person being hazed dies or is seriously injured, violators face up to a $10,000 fine and five years in prison. Organizations, representatives and officers of an organization, and educational institutions can also face penalties.
Omega Psi Phi could face civil penalties under the act, East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore said.
The fraternity’s campus chapter has been ordered to ‘cease all activities’ and students involved in Wilson’s death could face expulsion, Southern University President Dennis Shields told reporters.
Mourners are seen dancing at the vigil as they hold up images of Wilson
All campus (pictured) Greek life organizations are barred from taking on any additional members through the remainder of the academic year
All campus Greek life organizations are barred from taking on any additional members through the remainder of the academic year, he added.
Dallas Thompson, a spokesperson for Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., said his organization is ‘saddened by the tragic situation at Southern University’ and is ‘committed to cooperating with, and supporting, all ongoing investigations to uncover the truth.’
Southern University released a statement, maintaining that any form of hazing breaches school policy and Louisiana law.
‘It will not be tolerated in any form at Southern University,’ the school said.
‘We support punishment to the fullest extent of the law for anyone committing an act of violence that impedes a student from safely and successfully matriculating at Southern.
‘Southern continues to actively support the ongoing criminal investigation by the Baton Rouge Police Department and the East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney’s office into this alleged act of hazing involving members of the Beta Sigma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.’
Hundreds of Southern University students, alumni, staff and state leaders gathered for a vigil Wednesday evening in honor of Wilson.
His father and other family members were seen at the vigil fighting back tears.
Friends and family took turns telling stories about Wilson, who by a number of accounts was joyous, bright, talented and driven.
‘He walked this campus with a purpose. I know he is smiling down,’ Chaselynn Grant, a longtime friend of Wilson’s, told The Advocate.
Wilson played trumpet for the university’s famous marching band, known as the ‘Human Jukebox,’ which recently performed at the Super Bowl in New Orleans
Wilson played trumpet for the university’s famous marching band, known as the ‘Human Jukebox,’ which recently performed at the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
In a post on Facebook, the band wrote that members carried Wilson´s spirit ‘with every step and every note.’
‘This was more than just a performance,’ the post read. ‘It was a tribute, a farewell and a promise that Caleb´s legacy will live on.’
Wilson’s father was a high-ranking member of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, which released a statement issuing their condolences for the family’s ‘unimaginable loss.’
‘On behalf of Sheriff Joseph Lopinto, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office extends its condolences to Deputy Corey Wilson and his family following the heartbreaking loss of his son Caleb.
‘Dep. Wilson retired last year as a sergeant after serving 35 years with the JPSO. Dep. Wilson’s commitment to public service has continued with him currently serving in our Reserve Division.’
Grieving friends and students light candles at the vigil in honor of Wilson
Wilson Sr. had also worked security details for New Orleans Saints NFL team owner, businesswoman Gayle Benson.
‘Today, we are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Caleb Wilson, a very bright, young Southern University student,’ she said. .
‘Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and the entire Southern University community during this incredibly difficult time. This tragic loss has hit very close to my heart as his father, (Sgt.) Corey Wilson has worked with our team for many years.
‘I have a deep and personal connection to his family.
‘We mourn with him today on this senseless passing, our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this heartbreaking loss.’
