The Baton Rouge Police Department has arrested a second suspect in connection with the tragic hazing death of Southern University student Caleb Wilson.
Kyle Thurman was taken into custody in West Baton Rouge on Monday. He is facing felony hazing charges related to Wilson’s death. Police are still searching for another suspect, Isiah Smith, who remains at large.
This comes days after former Southern University student and Omega Psi Phi fraternity member, Caleb McCray, 23, turned himself in last Thursday. McCray faces charges of manslaughter and criminal hazing. His bond was set at $100,000—$75,000 for the manslaughter charge and $25,000 for the hazing charge. Jail records confirm that McCray has since bonded out.
The case stems from the death of 20-year-old Wilson, who was initially dropped off at a Baton Rouge hospital by a group of men who claimed he had collapsed while playing basketball at a park. However, investigators later uncovered a different and far more disturbing account.
According to police, Wilson collapsed after being repeatedly punched in the chest during a hazing ritual at a warehouse. An affidavit revealed that boxing gloves were used during the initiation, and Wilson was struck at least four times before losing consciousness and bodily functions.
In response to the incident, Southern University has suspended all Greek life intake activities for the remainder of the school year.
