The former Campbellsville University student accused of killing another student two years ago was back in court Tuesday.
Charles E. “Zeke” Escalera appeared via Zoom before Taylor Circuit Court Judge Kaelin Reed for a pretrial conference to discuss the defense’s intention to call any expert witness testimony. Attorneys for Escalera said they are still reviewing possible witnesses regarding criminal responsibility, and requested an additional pretrial conference for about 90 days ahead of the scheduled trial date of July 27.
Judge Reed noted that at the previous hearing in the case he found Escalera competent to stand trial, but said an order needed to be added to the record noting as such. The judge said he wanted to ensure the defense has time to explore options and the commonwealth has time to respond while keeping the July trial date. A pretrial conference was scheduled for April 14.
Escalera is accused of murdering Campbellsville University freshman Josiah Kilman in his dorm room at the university. Kilman was found unresponsive shortly after midnight on February 24, 2024, before being pronounced dead at Taylor Regional Hospital. Escalera faces charges of Murder, third degree Burglary, and second degree charges of Burglary and Fleeing or Evading Police.
After initially being held at the Taylor County Detention Center, Escalera was held for some time at the Kentucky Correctional Psychiatric Center for evaluation. Escalera’s record on VINELink indicates he was returned to Taylor County on January 22.
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