Student at Kentucky university charged with murder in the death of a fellow student

A 21-year-old student at Campbellsville University in Campbellsville, Kentucky, is facing murder and burglary charges in connection with a student who died Saturday after being found unresponsive in his residence hall room.

The Courier Journal reports that a judge has set bond for Charles E. Escalera at $2 million.

He has been charged in the death of Josiah Malachi Kilman, 18, who was found unresponsive shortly after midnight Saturday. He was pronounced dead at an area hospital. An autopsy concluded that Kilman had been strangled.

Escalera was arrested Saturday afternoon. In the arrest citation, police say Escalera admitted to breaking into the residence and taking food.

Escalera was listed as a member of the Campbellsville University men's wrestling team in 2021 and 2022. Kilman was listed on the team's 2023-2024 roster.

A GoFundMe has been launched following Kilman's death to cover funeral costs and expenses, including transporting Kilman back to his home state of Montana. The fundraiser has raised more than $54,000.