The Hazing From Hell, LA Frat Kills Another Student By “Accident”
Police said Tuesday that 25-year-old Kyle Thurman and 28-year-old Isaiah Smith have been charged with felony criminal hazing in connection with the fatal incident. Wilson, a junior studying mechanical engineering, died in late February.
Last week, investigators arrested 23-year-old Caleb McCray on charges of criminal hazing and manslaughter. Police allege that McCray punched Wilson four times before the pledge collapsed, became unresponsive, and appeared to experience a seizure.
Surveillance footage reviewed by law enforcement shows Smith removing Wilson from his vehicle and taking him to a hospital. According to a police arrest warrant affidavit, the group initially told medical staff that Wilson had collapsed while playing basketball at a park, then left before officers arrived.
Baton Rouge Police Department Chief Thomas Morse Jr. said Wilson died as a “direct result” of the hazing. Smith, who held the title “Dean of Pledges,” was allegedly in charge of overseeing the ritual. Authorities say he turned himself in on Tuesday.
Smith’s attorney, Franz Borghardt, emphasized that his client is not accused of making physical contact with Wilson and that no one was aware of any underlying medical conditions the student might have had.
“This was a freak accident; we’re not talking about force-feeding alcohol,” Borghardt said. “To be sure, everyone in that fraternity cares about Caleb. Our hearts go out to the Wilson family.”
While both Smith and Thurman allegedly participated in punching some of the nine pledges, they are not described in police affidavits as having hit Wilson. The hazing took place at a warehouse owned by Smith’s father, Todd Smith, who has not responded to requests for comment.
Thurman could not be reached, and no information about legal counsel for him was immediately available. Phillip Robinson, McCray’s attorney, said his client is innocent and urged the public to refrain from judgment.
In Louisiana, hazing can be prosecuted as a felony under the 2018 Max Gruver Act, which carries penalties of up to a $10,000 fine and five years in prison when serious injury or death results. Organizations and educational institutions may also face penalties under the act. Omega Psi Phi, the fraternity Wilson was pledging, could face civil penalties. A spokesperson said the organization is cooperating with authorities.
The campus chapter of the fraternity has been suspended, and Greek life organizations at Southern University have been barred from taking on new members for the remainder of the academic year, according to President Dennis Shields.
Wilson, a passionate trumpet player in Southern University’s renowned band, was honored with a well-attended vigil in early March.
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