Statement from Campbellsville Mayor Dennis Benningfield:
“Our prayers go out to the family of this young man killed today. I personally want to thank all of our police agencies for their hard work and dedication to this job.
Thank you Campbellville Police, Kentucky State Police, Taylor County Sheriffs office, Kentucky Fish & Wildlife, EMS, Taylor County Coroner’s office and the Green County Sheriffs office for apprehending the suspect.
This was such a terrible crime. Thank you to all of our First Responders for your professional services. We can alwavs rest assure vou keen us safe and we prav justice will prevail. Thank you lead Detective Jeremy Burton.”
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21-Year Old Charles E. Escalera Captured
On Saturday, February 24, 2024 at approximately 5:15 PM Green County Sheriff’s Office and Kentucky State Police received a call of a suspicious male inside a barn located on the Green County, Taylor County line.
Kentucky State Police responded and located 21-year old Charles E. Escalera.
Escalera was taken into custody by Kentucky State Police without incident.
Escalera has been arrested and the arrest warrant will be served for Murder. He will be lodged in the Taylor County Detention Center.
Date: February 24, 2024
Time: 6:24 PM
Location: Campbellsville University Campus
Agencies Involved: Campbellsville Police, Kentucky State Police, Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, Green County Sheriff’s Office, Campbellsville Fire, Campbellsville Taylor-County EMS, and Taylor County Coroner’s Office
Investigating Officers: Det. Jeremy Burton
(Chief Shannon Wilson – Campbellsville Police Department)
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Campbellsville Police Asks Citizens To Be On The Lookout For Suspect Charles E. Escalera
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.
Date: February 24, 2024
Time: 3:32 PM
Location: Campbellsville University Campus
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
(Chief Shannon Wilson – Campbellsville Police Department)
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Campbellsville Police Respond To Campbellsville University Campus, Male Pronounced Deceased
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 has been transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Louisville for an autopsy.
An on-going death investigation is being conducted by the Campbellsville Police Department.
Date: February 24, 2024
Time: 08:30
Location: Campbellsville University Campus
Agencies Involved: Campbellsville Police, Campbellsville Fire, Campbellsville Taylor-County EMS, and Taylor County Coroner’s Office
Investigating Officers: Det. Jeremy Burton
(Chief Shannon Wilson – Campbellsville Police Department)
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Campbellsville University Releases Statement Following Death Of Student
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 student was transferred to Taylor Regional Hospital where medical professionals pronounced his death. 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 during 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 Randsdell 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.
(Suzanne Grubesic, Director of Marketing and Communication – Campbellsville University)