Title: Tragic Death of Campbellsville University Student Josiah Kilman: Fellow Wrestling Team Member Held in Custody for Alleged Strangulation
The heartbreaking news of the sudden demise of Josiah Kilman, an 18-year-old student at Campbellsville University in Kentucky, has left the campus community in shock. According to a statement released by the Campbellsville Police Department on Monday, Kilman passed away due to asphyxia by manual strangulation.
The suspect apprehended in connection to this unfortunate incident is none other than Charles Escalera, a fellow teammate from the Campbellsville University wrestling team, as confirmed by Suzanne Grubesic, the university spokesperson.
On Saturday, Kilman was discovered unresponsive in his campus dormitory room. He was subsequently transported to Taylor Regional Hospital where he tragically succumbed to his injuries. The university went into lockdown mode following the discovery but lifted it after Escalera’s arrest later that very evening.
Escalera was taken into custody on suspicion of murder, as stated in the criminal complaint. The motive behind this heinous act remains a mystery, and the investigation is ongoing. Escalera was scheduled for an arraignment on Monday according to court records. Efforts to contact his legal representation have yet to bear fruit.
The Campbellsville University President, Joseph Hopkins, paid tribute to the deceased student in a heartfelt statement on Sunday, describing him as “a beloved member of our community.” Kilman, originally from Montana, was known for his bright spirit and immense hope.
This is a developing story and further information will be shared as it becomes available. Our thoughts are with the Kilman family during this difficult time. CNN has made attempts to contact them for comment, while also reaching out to the Taylor County Attorney’s Office for more details regarding the criminal proceedings against Escalera.
Michelle Watson and Maria Sole Campinoti contributed to this report.
