This New Development in Southern University Student Hazing Death Brings Even More Questions

(Updated on 03/18/2025 @ 11:45 a.m.)

Ever since the death of Southern University (SU) student Caleb Wilson, the HBCU community has been searching for answers behind what led to the Feb. 27 hazing incident. Now, two university employees have been placed on leave in connection to the ongoing investigation.

According to WBRZ, assistant band director Safiyy Abdel-Raoof was suspended just two days after Wilson, 20, died in the alleged hazing incident. Abdel-Raoof serves as the president of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. graduate chapter, Lambda Alpha. This chapter oversees Southern’s undergraduate chapter which has since been held responsible for Wilson’s death.

Adagio Coleman, the coordinator of student conduct at SU’s Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, was also placed on leave on Friday (Feb. 28), WBRZ reported. Although no charges have been brought upon the two men, three other adults have been arrested.

A former Southern University student was arrested and charged with criminal hazing and manslaughter, according to WAFB. Sources told WAFB that 23-year-old Caleb McCray is a SU alum and member of Omega Psi Phi. Two other people, 25-year-old Kyle Thurman and 28-year-old Isaiah Smith, are also facing charges in connection with the incident, according to CBS News. Manslaughter—the more severe of the two—carries a sentence of up to 40 years in prison.

“Additional warrants can’t be ruled out,” Police Chief Thomas Morse Jr. told reporters according to The Advocate. The lawyer for McCray has released a statement and claimed that he has not seen strong enough evidence to support the allegations against his client.

“At this time, we are thoroughly reviewing all evidence and circumstances surrounding this case,” Dr. Phillip Robinson wrote per WBRZ. “We are committed to ensuring that all facts are properly examined and that due process is followed.”

Wilson was honored with a candlelit vigil at the Pilgrim Baptist Church in Kenner. Photos of Wilson lined the wall as friends and family paid their respects.

Wilson was a engineering student at the school as well as a member of the Human Jukebox marching band. His loved ones are still in search of answers when it comes to his shocking death.

“They just want justice where it’s necessary, and we just want to know kind of what happened and why,” said Wilson’s pastor, Dr. Mitchell Stevens, told WDSU.

East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore claimed that more charges may be coming pertaining to Wilson’s death. “We’re looking at the misdemeanor hazing statute. The felony hazing statute that involves a death, neglect homicide and manslaughter,” Moore said.