Who is Charles Escalera? 21-year-old Student Wanted for Josiah Kilman Murder

Charles Escalera has been identified as the main suspect in the death of Campbellsville University student, Josiah Kilman.

Campbellsville police have issued an arrest warrant for Charles E. Escalera.

This comes after Josiah Kilman was found unresponsive on the Campbellsville University campus and was later pronounced dead.

Who is Charles E. Escalera? And what led to the death of Josiah Kilman? We learn all we know below.

Who is Charles E Escalera?

Charles Escalera has been fingered by Campbellsville police as the main suspect in the death of fellow student, Josiah Kilman.

Josiah Kilman, 18 was found dead on the campus of Campbellsville University early Saturday, February 24th 2024.

Kilman was found unresponsive in his dorm room early Saturday morning.

He was taken to Taylor Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

After a while, authorities identified a suspect in the case, Charles Escalera.

A press release from Campbellsville police said an arrest warrant has been issued for Charles E. Escalera for murder.

Multiple agencies are currently involved in the search.

Authorities said his last known location was in the parking lot of Lowes in Campbellsville, adding that Escalera should not be approached and if you do see him or have any information on his whereabouts, call 911.

The full statement read…

“FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On Saturday, February 24, 2024 at approximately 12:43 AM, Campbellsville Police responded to Campbellsville University Campus in reference to an unresponsive male.

Taylor County EMS arrived and transported the male to Taylor Regional Hospital where he was pronounced deceased by Taylor County Coroner, Daniel Cook.

The deceased, 18-year old Josiah Malachi Kilman, was transported to the Kentucky State Medical Examiner’s Office in Louisville for an autopsy.

During the investigation, Campbellsville Police has obtained an arrest warrant for, “21-year old Charles E. Escalera for Murder.

Escalera is still at large, however Campbellsville Police, Kentucky State Police, Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, and Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife are currently attempting to locate Escalera.

The following attached pictures are of 21 year old, Charles E. Escalera, 5′ 7″, 128 lbs, brown hair, and brown eyes. Last seen wearing a black jacket, white hooded shirt, gray toboggan, gray sweat pants, yellowish colored work boots, and a dark colored backpack.

Last known was in the parking lot of Lowe’s in Campbellsville. If you see or know the whereabouts of Escalera, do not approach him, call 911 immediately.

Agencies Involved: Campbellsville Police, Kentucky State Police, Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky.

Department of Fish and Wildlife, Campbellsville Fire, Campbellsville Taylor-County EMS, and Taylor County Coroner’s Office

Investigating Officers: Det. Jeremy Burton

Approving Supervisor: Chief Shannon Wilson

Charles Escalera was arrested around 5:15pm, according to a new update.

At 5:15 p.m., the Green County Sheriff’s Office and State Police received a call regarding a suspicious person inside a barn near the Green/Taylor county line.

State Police responded and arrested Escalera without incident, according to Campbellsville Police.

“Escalera has been arrested and the arrest warrant will be served for murder,” the department said in a statement. “He will be lodged in the Taylor County Detention Center.”

Charles E. Escalera killed Josiah Kilman

Josiah Kilman was a Campbellsville University student found dead on the school campus on Saturday, February 24th 2024.

Josiah Kilman, per our checks, is a Freshman at Campbellsville University from Montana.

Josiah Kilman was an athlete who competed in the Campbellsville University wrestling program at the 149 lb class.

The University released a statement after he was dicovered, reading…

“Campbellsville University Releases Statement Following Death of Student,” the release was titled.

Campbellsville, Ky. – A male student was discovered unresponsive in their dorm room, on the campus of Campbellsville University, in the early morning hours on Saturday, February 24.

“The cause of death has not been determined. Local law enforcement are looking for an individual considered a person of interest. An official statement will be released around 10 a.m. today, at the Heilman Welcome Center on campus.

At this time, Campbellsville city police have not identified a continued threat to students. However, as a university, we want to use an abundance of caution. We are advising all students and campus area residents to heighten precautions. Secure your residences, secure vehicles, and increase awareness of your surroundings,”

Campbellsville University President, Dr. Joseph Hopkins, issued a statement:

“Campbellsville University is grieving the loss of one of our family. 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.”

“The student counseling center on campus is open and counselors are available to students seeking emotional support during this tragedy. The Ransdell Chapel will be open for students and staff for prayer and support of one another.

“We will continue to release updates in a timely fashion as more information becomes available.

“For questions please contact campus security, Kyle Davis or local Campbellsville Police Chief, Shannon Wilson who is leading the investigation,”

A warrant is out for the arrest of Charles Escalera for the muder.

Related – Zeke Escalera

Zeke Escalera is a Campbellsville University Wrestling competitor, just like Josiah Kilman.

Zeke appears to be related to Charles Escalera, who is believed to have killed Kilman.

How everything ties together at this point is still up in the air.

Per Campbellsville University, Zeke Escalera is a very accomplished wrestler.

In an article, the University writes…

“The #19 Tigers of Campbellsville University’s wrestling team traveled to Missouri Valley College Friday to participate in the college’s open invitational. Zeke Escalera capitalized on a tremendous performance and was able to capture first place in the 133 lb. weight bracket.

In the 133 lb. weight class, Escalera received a bye in his first round and then went 3-0 on Friday with two decision victories over wrestlers from #1 Grand View University, (RV) Southern Oregon University, and Briar Cliff University.

With four participants remaining in the championship bracket Saturday, Escalera won in the semifinals with a major decision over #2 Life’s wrestler and then in the finals with a decision to take the championship defeating another Life University opponent,”

In another article, it was revealed Zeke Escalera was named the Adidas High School Wrestler of the Week after winning his first National Prep Championship Saturday at Lehigh University.

Competing in the 120-pound division, Escalera defeated Blair Academy’s Michael Colaiocco, the second-ranked 120-pounder in the nation, 9-6.

Early in the second period, Escalera jumped out to a 3-0 lead after an escape then a takedown during a furious flurry.

In the final 30 seconds of the match, while hanging on to a one-point lead, Escalera found himself on the favorable side of a scramble that landed Colaiocco on his back. Escalera nearly won with a pin but was awarded four points which clinched his victory.

Earlier in the tournament, Escalera racked up two falls and a major decision. Escalera was one of five National Prep champions for Wyoming Seminary, which was the runner-up to Blair Academy for the team title.

As an eighth-grader, Escalera won a Kentucky state championship at 106 pounds in helping Union County to the KHSAA state title.

Campbellsville

Campbellsville is a city in central Kentucky founded in 1817 by Andrew Campbell.

It is known for Campbellsville University, Taylor Regional Hospital health care system, its historic downtown, and the proximity to Green River Lake State Park.

Campbellsville is the county seat of Taylor County, with a geographic boundary shaped like a heart. Campbellsville celebrated its bicentennial on July 4, 2017.

The city was founded in 1817 and laid out by Andrew Campbell, who had moved from Augusta County, Virginia. Campbell owned a gristmill and a tavern and began selling lots in Campbellsville in 1814.

Campbellsville was designated by the state legislature as the county seat in 1848 after Taylor County was separated from Green County. The city agreed to sell the public square to the county for one dollar so that a courthouse could be built.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.1 square miles (16 km2), of which 6.0 square miles (16 km2) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.26 km2) (1.65%) is covered by water.

The climate is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen climate classification system, Campbellsville has a humid subtropical climate, Cfa on climate maps.

Miller Park is the main recreational park with softball fields, tennis courts, swimming pool, playgrounds, walking track gardens, and open space.

It surrounds the Pitman Creek that flows through the park. About one mile to the west, Osborne Park (named after former Mayor Paul E. Osborne) is mostly open space and soccer fields.

These two recreation parks are joined by the nature trail, the Pitman Creek Trail (a Trail Town project).

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