By Jerald Jimenez
Feb 25, 2024, 1:30 PM EST
A young wrestling champion is being held for the brutal murder of a freshman in a dormitory at Campbellsville University, a private Christian institution in Kentucky. Authorities have not revealed the motive or cause of death.
Campbellsville City Police arrested Charles Escalera, 21, on Saturday night after finding him hiding in a barn near campus. He is accused of the murder of 18-year-old Josiah Malachi Kilman.
After being found unconscious in his room, Kilman was taken to Taylor Regional Hospital, where he died. The body was sent to the Kentucky State Medical Examiner’s Office in Louisville for an autopsy.
At the moment, police have not provided details about how the murder occurred or what relationship there was between Escalera and Kilman. It has also not been revealed whether the suspect acted alone or with accomplices.
According to local media, 14 News, Escalera was a standout athlete who had won the 106-pound state wrestling title with Union County in 2017. He was part of the Campbellsville University wrestling team, according to the 2021 list.
Campbellsville University President Dr. Joseph Hopkins expressed his grief and solidarity with Kilman’s family.
“During this devastating time, the continued safety of our students and the residents of our community is our primary concern,” Hopkins said. “In consultation with local authorities, we will continue to implement all necessary measures to protect and support students and our community.”
For their part, police urged students to take extra caution and secure their residences and vehicles. He also asked them to increase awareness of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity.
Kilman’s family, meanwhile, has created a GoFundMe to cover the costs of transporting his body back to Montana, his home state. As of this Sunday, the campaign has already surpassed the initial goal of $25,000.
On the GoFundMe page, the family described Kilman as a “kind, loving and full of life” young man. He also thanked the community for their support and prayers. “Josiah was an incredible son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. He had an infectious smile and a heart of gold. “He loved God, his family, his friends and life.”