A strange, tragic incident has happened at a Christian University in Western Kentucky. A theology major and wrestler has been allegedly killed by another student. The student implicated is also a fellow wrestler, according to authorities. The incident has rocked the university as well as the small town where it is located.
Eighteen-year-old Josiah Kilman was pronounced dead at Taylor Regional Hospital after police reported to Campbellsville University in Western Kentucky Saturday morning. The Taylor County Coroner’s Office reported Kilman’s cause of death was “asphyxia by manual strangulation.” Authorities have a suspect in custody.
Another student and wrestler, Charles “Zeke” Escalera, was arrested and charged with murder. Campbellsville University President Joseph Hopkins said: “Josiah Kilman was a beloved member of our community. He was a bright light, and a person of incredible hope. His faith was contagious across our campus. Because of the faithful life and bold witness he lived in front of us, we take comfort in knowing he is with his Lord and Savior right now.”
The University President went on to say that the “safety and wellbeing of our community is paramount” and offered resources, including counseling and campus ministry. The freshman was from Columbia Falls, Montana, and a motive remains unknown. Hopkins continued: “I gathered in prayer with our wrestlers and their coaches today. I told them the wrestling team is about to get much bigger as you, our staff, students, and this community, stand with them over the coming days and months.”
The arrest documents showed that Escalera was discovered in another residence, and then confessed to breaking in and stealing food. He has been charged with murder and second-degree burglary, citing court documents. A bond was set at $2 million. Kilman was reportedly attending the college on a “biblical scholarship with the dreams of leading others to follow the Lord through the Christian principles.”
A statement from the family read: “He was well known to many as an avid athlete and faithful religious leader. Josiah influenced many hearts as he was a true example of compassion, kindness, and love. His example compelled so many others to make the same changes he wished to see in the world, and his impact on their lives will never truly be forgotten. During this time, his family is grieving and asks for privacy to deal with the devastating loss of their beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and true friend known to so many.”
Campbell University, the small Baptist University in Western Kentucky, enrolls roughly 4500 students. The alleged murder has rocked the small campus as well as the sleep town. No motive is known, but authorities are still investigating the murder.
Perhaps it was a dispute between teammates, some horseplay that escalated into an incident, or mental illness on Escalera’s part, sadly one life was lost and countless others altered forever. It will be interesting to learn a motive and exactly what happened in the coming weeks. However, it is clear that a promising young follower of Jesus is dead, and another young man is behind bars, and we don’t know why.
Featured image screen grab from embedded video
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