Tragedy Strikes Campbellsville University: Student’s Death Ruled as Manual Strangulation, Suspect Arrested
In a shocking turn of events, the cause of death for 18-year-old Josiah Kilman, a Campbellsville University student, has been revealed as manual strangulation. The small town of Campbellsville, Kentucky, is reeling from the news of this horrific crime, which has left the community in shock and mourning.
Taylor County Coroner Daniel Cook made the grim announcement to WAVE News, shedding light on the tragic circumstances surrounding Kilman’s untimely demise. The young student was found unresponsive in his dorm room on Saturday morning, sending shockwaves throughout the campus and beyond.
The investigation quickly took a chilling turn when the police arrested and charged 21-year-old Charles Escalera with the murder. Escalera, who was a fellow teammate of Kilman’s on the Campbellsville University wrestling team, was apprehended after being spotted by a farmer in a barn in Green County. The motive behind this heinous act remains unclear at this time.
“Our office obviously was notified, and it was through the investigation that we deemed the death suspicious,” revealed Coroner Cook to LEX18. “A little bit later on, we released to the public that we were looking for a person of interest due to findings through the investigation.”
The wrestling community at Campbellsville University is devastated by this tragic loss. Kilman and Escalera shared a bond as teammates and friends, making the news even more difficult to comprehend for those who knew them. The university now faces the task of providing support and counseling to students and staff affected by this heartbreaking incident.
Josiah Kilman’s family has released a heartfelt statement, painting a picture of a young man full of faith and ambition. Hailing from Columbia Falls, Montana, Kilman came to Campbellsville University on a biblical scholarship, with dreams of spreading his message of love and compassion. A devout Christian, he was known for his athletic prowess and his unwavering commitment to his religious beliefs.
“Josiah Malachi Kilman was a young, 18-year-old Christian man from Columbia Falls, Montana, who had a passionate heart on fire for the Lord,” the family’s statement read. “He was attending Campbellsville University in Campbellsville, Kentucky on a biblical scholarship with the dreams of leading others to follow the Lord through the Christian principles, of which he himself adhered to.”
The impact that Kilman had on those around him cannot be overstated. His example of compassion, kindness, and love inspired countless individuals to make positive changes in their own lives. The void left by his absence will be felt deeply by his family, friends, and the community he touched.
As the investigation continues, the focus now shifts to providing support to Kilman’s grieving family. They have requested privacy during this devastating time as they come to terms with the loss of their beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend.
Campbellsville University and the wider community are left grappling with the shock and sadness that has descended upon them. In times like these, it is crucial to come together, lean on one another for support, and remember the extraordinary young man whose light was extinguished far too soon.
The impact of Josiah Kilman’s life will endure through the memories he created and the lives he touched. Though his presence may be gone, his spirit will continue to guide and inspire those who knew him. May his family find solace in the outpouring of love and support from a mourning community.
