Campbellsville University Mourns Freshman Wrestler's Tragic Strangulation Death—Arrest Made in Shocking Murder Case

Campbellsville University freshman wrestler strangulation death murder Josiah Malachi Kilman Charles E. Escalara

By E.Baloyo , Parent Herald Feb 27, 12:11 am

Campbellsville University finds itself grappling with the tragic loss of 18-year-old Josiah Malachi Kilman, a promising freshman wrestler hailing from Columbia Falls, Montana.

The local coroner's revelation on Monday that Kilman succumbed to manual strangulation has sent shockwaves through the campus, further intensified by the arrest of fellow student Charles E. Escalara on a murder charge in connection with Kilman's untimely demise.

Freshman Wrestler's Tragic Strangulation Death Revealed

The tranquility of Campbellsville University was shattered in the early hours of Saturday when Kilman was found unresponsive in his dorm room.

Preliminary autopsy results from the Taylor County Coroner's Office disclosed that the cause of Kilman's death was asphyxia by manual strangulation, shedding light on the grim circumstances surrounding this young athlete's passing.

The weight of this tragedy reverberates across the campus, leaving the student body and faculty in a state of collective sorrow.

As the investigation unfolds, Campbellsville police are working tirelessly to unravel the events leading to Kilman's tragic end.

The lingering question of motive hangs in the air, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and disbelief within the university community.

Arrest Made in Shocking Murder Case

The shockwave intensified with the arrest of Charles E. Escalara, a 21-year-old former member of the men's wrestling team who went by the moniker "Zeke Escalera."

Escalara was taken into custody on Saturday evening, and the gravity of the charges he faces-murder and second-degree burglary-deepens the somber mood on campus.

The wrestling community, in particular, is left grappling with the inconceivable idea that one of their own could be implicated in such a horrific act.

In the pursuit of justice, Kentucky State Police located Escalara just after 5 p.m. on Saturday, responding to a call about a "suspicious male inside a barn" in Green County.

The arrest, though providing a semblance of closure, brings forth more questions than answers, as the motive for Kilman's murder remains elusive.

Campbellsville University Mourns as Investigation Continues

As the investigation into this shocking murder case progresses, the Campbellsville University community finds solace in coming together to mourn the loss of a young life full of promise.

Kilman's family, in a poignant statement, painted a picture of a passionate and devout Christian who sought to lead others through the Christian principles he held dear.

The wrestling community, where Kilman left an indelible mark, is left grappling with the dual challenge of grief and disbelief.

Campbellsville University President Joseph Hopkins, echoing the sentiments of the entire campus, remembered Kilman as "a beloved member of our community" and "a bright light" extinguished too soon.

In the aftermath of this tragedy, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear expressed his condolences, recognizing the pain of losing a young life to violence and the challenges faced by both the victim's family and the wider campus community.

Charles E. Escalara, now under legal representation, faces a preliminary hearing scheduled for March 6.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the university community is left contemplating the broader implications of campus safety and the need for enhanced security measures.

In the wake of Josiah Malachi Kilman's tragic strangulation death, the pain is palpable on the campus of Campbellsville University.

The echoes of this incident will undoubtedly prompt a reevaluation of safety protocols and foster a collective commitment to ensuring the well-being of every student, so they can pursue their dreams in an environment free from fear.