Southern University Student’s Death at Off-Campus Fraternity Event Leads to Arrest and Manslaughter Charge

A Southern University student in Baton Rouge has died following an off-campus fraternity event, leading to the arrest of a 23-year-old man. The Baton Rouge Police Department announced on Friday that Caleb McCray has been charged with manslaughter and criminal hazing in connection with the death of 20-year-old Caleb Wilson. Wilson, a junior studying mechanical engineering, passed away in late February after participating in a fraternity pledging event.

Police Chief Thomas Morse Jr. stated that Wilson’s death was directly linked to a hazing incident involving Omega Psi Phi fraternity. During the event, Wilson was reportedly punched in the chest multiple times. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and oversight of fraternity activities, particularly those that occur off-campus and without official sanction.

Caleb McCray surrendered to authorities on Thursday evening, approximately a week after Wilson’s death. The police have indicated that multiple individuals may be involved in the incident, and the investigation is ongoing. Chief Morse emphasized the seriousness of the charges and the need for accountability in such cases.

Southern University and A&M College, where Wilson was a student, has not yet commented on the incident. The university community is grappling with the loss and the implications of the event, as discussions about fraternity culture and student safety continue to unfold. The police were initially notified of Wilson’s death on February 26, and the case has since drawn significant attention from both local and national media.