Columbia Falls teen is dead in Kentucky; man arrested on murder charge
Josiah Kilman plays soccer for the Wildcats in this file photo from fall 2022.
An 18-year-old Columbia Falls man is dead and a 21-year-old suspect has been arrested, according to NBC News in Kentucky.
Josiah Kilman, who graduated from Columbia Falls High School and was attending Campbellsville University, was found unresponsive in his dorm room at approximately 12:43 a.m. Saturday morning.
Kilman was transported to the Kentucky State Medical Examiner’s Office in Louisville for an autopsy. A preliminary cause of death was not released. During the investigation, Campbellsville Police obtained an arrest warrant for Charles E. Escalera for Kilman's murder. Escalera was later arrested, NBC News reported.
Kilman was a captain of the Columbia Falls soccer team in 2022 and was a member of the wrestling team as well. He graduated in June 2023.
Kilman was a freshman wrestler for Campbellsville University. Escalera was also student at the University.
“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,” Campbellsville University President, Dr. Joseph Hopkins said in a statement.