3 Arrested in Omega Psi Phi Hazing Death as Southern University & Community Mourn
BATON ROUGE, LA – A Southern University student lost his life during a fraternity hazing ritual, leading to the arrests of three members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. The incident has sent shockwaves through the HBCU community, sparking deep sorrow and renewed discussions on hazing accountability.
Arrests & Charges in Caleb Wilson’s Death
Authorities have arrested Caleb McCray, 23, Isaiah Smith, 28, and Kyle Thurman, 25, in connection with the death of Caleb Wilson, a student at Southern University and A&M College.
McCray, who was taken into custody late last week, faces the most serious charges: criminal hazing and manslaughter. According to an affidavit reviewed by The Associated Press, McCray punched Wilson four times before the student collapsed, became unresponsive, and appeared to suffer a seizure.
Both Smith and Thurman have been charged with felony criminal hazing. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Smith removing Wilson from his vehicle and taking him to a hospital. Smith, who served as the Dean of Pledges, was responsible for overseeing the hazing ritual.
Deadly Hazing Incident Unfolds
The investigation began after Wilson was rushed to the hospital on the night of the hazing incident. Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas Morse Jr. confirmed that Wilson died as a direct result of hazing, telling reporters that he was punched in the chest multiple times while pledging to Omega Psi Phi.
A police affidavit states that both Smith and Thurman participated in hitting pledges, though they were not specifically documented as striking Wilson. Smith’s attorney, Franz Borghardt, has called the case a “freak accident” and emphasized that “this was not a case of force-feeding alcohol.”
Authorities also discovered that the hazing ritual took place at a warehouse leased by Smith’s father, Todd Smith, who runs a flooring company.
Harsher Penalties Under Louisiana’s Hazing Law
As part of the Max Gruver Act, passed in 2018, hazing can be classified as a felony in Louisiana. If hazing leads to death or serious injury, violators—including organizational leaders—face up to $10,000 in fines and five years in prison.
McCray’s attorney, Phillip Robinson, maintains his client’s innocence, urging the public “not to rush to judgment until all the evidence is heard.”
Southern University Takes Action
Following Wilson’s tragic death, Southern University President Dennis Shields announced immediate disciplinary action, including:
- A campus-wide Greek life lockdown prohibiting all organizations from adding new members for the remainder of the school year.
- An order for the Omega Psi Phi chapter at Southern to cease all activities.
- A review of student involvement, with the possibility of expulsions for those responsible.
A Community in Mourning
Wilson’s death has devastated his friends, family, and the Southern University community. On Wednesday, students, faculty, and loved ones gathered for an on-campus vigil in his honor.
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As a member of Southern University’s iconic marching band, The Human Jukebox, Wilson’s impact stretched beyond the classroom. In a moving tribute, a second-line procession filled New Orleans’ historic Treme neighborhood on Thursday as hundreds of people came together to celebrate his life.
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What’s Next?
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities continue to urge anyone with additional information to come forward.
Disclaimer: The image used in this article is a stock photo for illustrative purposes only. The individual depicted is not one of the three arrested individuals mentioned in this story.