BRPD: SU student died of repeated punches to chest during hazing ritual

Caleb Wilson. Photo credit: Southern University Marching Band

Baton Rouge Police gave an update on the death of Southern University student Caleb Wilson.

The 20-year-old junior, who was a member of the school’s famed Human Jukebox marching band and a mechanical engineering major, died in a hazing ritual on February 27th.

BRPD Chief Thomas Morse told a Friday morning news conference that the call initially came in, stating that Wilson collapsed while playing basketball at a BREC park on Sherwood Forest Blvd.

Morse said that turned out to be false; investigators determined that it actually happened at a warehouse on Woodcrest Dr.

“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,” Morse said at the news conference.

So far, one suspect is under arrest, with several others to follow.

“Caleb McCray turned himself in with his attorney and was booked into East Baton Rouge Parish prison,” says Chief Morse. “McCray has been charged with criminal hazing and manslaughter.”
Criminal charges are forthcoming against several additional fraternity members.

Southern University President Dennis Shields has taken action against not only Omega Psi Phi, but also all other fraternities.

“The Baton Rouge campus chapter of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity has been ordered to cease all activities,” says Shields. “Every campus Greek organization has been informed that no additional membership intake can occur for a minimum (for) the remainder of the academic year.”

Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards had a message for the university and the city.

“We got to do better,” Mayor-President Edwards said at the news conference. “We feel like sometimes we take one step forward and two steps back. It’s a sad day to lose such a promising young life. And I encourage all the young people out there to make better decisions.”

McCray’s attorney, Dr. Phillip Robinson, says he has not seen evidence strong enough to support the charges against his client.

“At this time, we are thoroughly reviewing all evidence and circumstances surrounding the case,” Robinson wrote in a statement. “We are committed to ensuring that all facts are properly examined and that due process is followed.”