Campbellsville, Kentucky – A tragic incident unfolded at Campbellsville University, where an 18-year-old student was found dead in his dorm room over the weekend. The victim, identified as Josiah Kilman, a member of the school’s wrestling team, was discovered unresponsive and later pronounced dead at a local hospital. The student’s untimely death was determined to be caused by strangulation, according to the findings of the medical examiner’s office.
The campus was placed on lockdown as authorities launched an investigation into the matter. Shockwaves rippled through the community as it was revealed that Kilman’s wrestling teammate, 21-year-old Charles E. Escalera, was charged with murder and second-degree burglary in connection with the incident. Escalera was apprehended after being spotted by a farmer and was subsequently taken into custody without resistance.
Taylor County Coroner Daniel Cook expressed the gravity of the situation, noting that while deaths among students were not uncommon, it was rare to see a student being charged with another’s murder. The sorrowful event left a deep impact on the close-knit community, with many expressing shock and sadness over the loss of a promising young life. Kilman’s family remembered him as a compassionate and inspirational individual who touched the hearts of those around him.
Campbellsville University President Joseph Hopkins extended his condolences to the bereaved family and emphasized the importance of coming together to support one another during such trying times. The campus community gathered at Ransdell Chapel to honor Kilman’s memory and seek solace in unity. Meanwhile, Escalera remains in custody at the Taylor County Detention center on a $2 million bond, as the investigation continues to unfold.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating event, the university is providing resources for counseling and support to ensure the well-being of its members. The loss of a beloved student has left a lasting impact on all those who knew him, underscoring the fragile nature of life and the importance of unity in times of adversity. Campbellsville University now faces the difficult task of healing and coming to terms with a tragedy that has shaken its foundation to the core.