Correction: A previous version of this story identified Campbellsville University student Oliver Rega as Olivia. The error has been corrected. (Feb. 26, 2024)
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — 18-year-old Campbellsville University student, Josiah Kilman was strangled. The Taylor County Coroner's Office said that was the finding of its preliminary autopsy.
Police arrested 21-year-old Charles Escalera in connection to Kilman's death. Escalera, also a student at the university, is in the Taylor County Jail on charges of murder and burglary with a bond set at $2 million. The university was on lockdown until shortly after 6 p.m. Saturday, once he was taken into custody.
A defense attorney listed in court records for Escalera did not immediately return a phone call and email from the Associated Press seeking comment. His arraignment was continued to March 6.
Campbellsville Police went to the campus around 12:43 a.m. Saturday and found Kilman unresponsive in his room. He was taken to Taylor Regional Hospital and pronounced dead. He was taken to the Kentucky State Examiners Office for the autopsy.
In a video Kilman posted in Jan. to his YouTube page, he said he loved wrestling and soccer. He was a biblical studies major.
The Taylor County Coroner's Office said the investigation is ongoing and led by Detective Jeremy Burton of Campbellsville Police.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the family members, and students and staff of Campbellsville University," Cook said.
Kilman was a member of the university's wrestling team and from Columbia Falls, Montana. A GoFundMe was arranged to pay for funeral expenses and raise money to bring his body home. Escalera, who is from Oklahoma, was also on the university's wrestling team his freshman year, 2021-22.
Oliver Rega, a freshman at the university, said he was scared when he first heard the news but is glad Escalera was caught. He added he feels empathy for Kilman's family, knowing it's not easy to lose someone at a young age.
"Once I saw that he was 18 years old, no one should have to go through that, especially when you’re going to a place where you’re trying to grow and know yourself," Rega said.
The university held all classes, events and activities as normal Sunday, Feb. 25.
"Campbellsville University is grieving the loss of one of our family," said University President Joseph Hopkins in a statement. "We have lost a student and our hearts are broken. During this devastating time, the continued safety of our students and the residents of our community are our primary concern."
"With consultation from local law enforcement, we will continue to implement every measure necessary to protect and support students and our community."
Hopkins said he prayed Sunday with wrestlers and coaches.
“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,” he wrote.