A grand jury in East Baton Rouge Parish has returned indictments in connection with the hazing death of Southern University student Caleb Wilson, bringing the case one step closer to legal resolution nearly a year after the tragedy unfolded
Wilson, a 20-year-old mechanical engineering major and member of the renowned Human Jukebox Marching Band, died in February 2025 following an off-campus ritual linked to an Omega Psi Phi fraternity event.
Investigators say Wilson collapsed after being struck in the chest multiple times during an initiation ritual at a warehouse in Baton Rouge, a moment that later led to his death.
On December 10, 2025, a Baton Rouge grand jury indicted five men for their alleged roles in Wilson’s death and related hazing activities. Among those charged are Caleb McCray, Kyle Thurman, and Isaiah Smith, who were arrested in March in connection with the case.
McCray faces manslaughter and principal to felony hazing charges, while Thurman was indicted for principal to felony hazing and three counts of obstruction of justice.
Smith’s indictment includes principal to manslaughter, principal to felony hazing, and obstruction of justice, reflecting prosecutors’ efforts to hold him accountable for both the hazing and alleged efforts to conceal details of the incident.
Two additional suspects, Winston Sanders and Jaydn Landrum, were also indicted. Sanders was charged with principal to felony hazing and two counts of obstruction of justice, while Landrum was charged with principal to felony hazing.
Warrants have been issued for Landrum’s arrest, and bond was set at $95,000 for Sanders, who is prohibited from contacting co-defendants or possessing a firearm as part of his release conditions.
Wilson’s family has also pursued a wrongful death lawsuit, underscoring their belief that more accountability is needed beyond the criminal charges.
Southern University took action in the wake of Wilson’s death, expelling the Omega Psi Phi chapter involved and banning its activities on campus.
District Attorney Hillar Moore said the investigation is ongoing, with prosecutors continuing to examine evidence, including digital communications, to determine whether additional indictments may be warranted.
As the community awaits further developments, the indictments mark a key moment in a case that has left a profound impact on Southern University, Baton Rouge, and advocates calling for stronger anti-hazing measures across campuses nationwide.
