Man charged with manslaughter after Louisiana student hazing death

A man has been charged in connection with the tragic death of a college student in Louisiana, who collapsed during a hazing event. The student, Caleb Wilson, was just 20 years old and was studying mechanical engineering at Southern University and A&M in Baton Rouge. He was also a member of the college band, known for his dedication and talent. According to police reports, Caleb McCray, a 23-year-old member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, allegedly punched Caleb Wilson multiple times in the chest during an off-campus initiation ceremony. As a result, McCray has been charged with manslaughter and criminal hazing. Hazing is a practice that involves new members of a group undergoing painful or humiliating activities to prove their loyalty, and it is illegal in many states across the U. S. Police Chief Thomas Morse Jr stated that Caleb Wilson's death on February 27 was a direct result of the hazing incident. After the event, a group of individuals took Wilson to a hospital but misled the staff by claiming he had collapsed while playing basketball. They left the scene before authorities arrived, but detectives later determined that this information was false. According to a police arrest report, Caleb Wilson and eight other pledges of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity were struck by McCray and at least two others who were wearing boxing gloves. McCray allegedly hit Wilson four times in the chest, after which Wilson collapsed, suffered a seizure, and lost control of his bodily functions. Tragically, no one present attempted to call for emergency assistance, and Wilson was later pronounced dead at the hospital. An autopsy revealed no significant trauma to his body, aside from a small bruise on the right side of his chest. The report also indicated that investigators found no evidence that McCray intended to cause serious harm to any of the pledges. McCray, who is also reportedly a member of the Louisiana Army National Guard, graduated from Southern University in December 2024. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore announced that two additional individuals, who have not been publicly identified, will face charges for misdemeanor hazing. The investigation is ongoing and remains active. Southern University System President Dennis Shields expressed deep sorrow over Wilson's death, stating, 'Words cannot express how deeply saddened we are by the loss of our student, Caleb Wilson. ' Shields also mentioned that the campus chapter of Omega Psi Phi has been ordered to suspend all activities, and students involved in the incident could face expulsion. Furthermore, all Greek organizations at the university, which is a historically black college, have been prohibited from accepting new members for the remainder of the academic year. The passing of Caleb Wilson has sparked widespread grief within the community. The Human Jukebox Marching Band, which recently performed at the Super Bowl, honored him by saying, 'A talented trumpet player, a dedicated student, and a bright soul, Caleb was a mechanical engineering major who poured his passion into both his studies and his time with the Human Jukebox. His energy, spirit, and impact on those around him will never be forgotten. ' Hundreds of people gathered for a vigil outside Southern University's Smith-Brown Student Union to remember him. One friend, speaking to local media outlet WAFB, said, 'His light does not die with himself. It dies with all of us. We have to make sure his light lives within all of us and make sure you stand up tall like he's on your shoulders reaching for the sky. ' The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity released a statement offering condolences and supporting law enforcement's efforts to seek the truth. Under Louisiana state law, if a person dies or is seriously injured during a hazing ritual, it can be prosecuted as a criminal offense under the Max Gruver Act. This law was named after a Louisiana State University student who died from alcohol poisoning after hazing in 2018. Those prosecuted can face fines of up to $10,000 and five years in prison. Organizations and educational institutions can also face penalties under the act.