Family of killed Northwestern State player files lawsuit against university, coach and apartment complex

The parents of former Northwestern State football player Ronald Caldwell Jr. have filed a civil lawsuit in U.S. District Court, Western District of Louisiana, Alexandria Division. The lawsuit, obtained by The Athletic, names Northwestern State University, former head football coach Brad Laird, and the apartment complex where Caldwell Jr. was killed as defendants. The lawsuit alleges negligence leading to Caldwell Jr.’s wrongful death and seeks punitive damages.

Caldwell Jr., a junior safety for Northwestern State, was shot and killed on October 12 at The Quad Apartment Complex. The university subsequently canceled the remainder of its football season, and Laird resigned. The suit claims that the defendants failed to protect Caldwell Jr. and requests a trial by jury.

Northwestern State University issued a statement expressing sympathy for Caldwell Jr.’s family and refrained from commenting further on the lawsuit. Northwestern State, an FCS football program, is a member of the Southland Conference. Laird was in his sixth season as head coach when he resigned.

In a news conference held shortly after Caldwell Jr.’s death, his parents announced their intent to pursue litigation against the university, Laird, and The Quad, citing multiple failures that they believe led to their son’s untimely death. The lawsuit provides details of an incident that occurred three days before the shooting, when Caldwell Jr.’s roommate allegedly threatened him with a gun. Caldwell Jr.’s father reached out to Laird for help, but the suit claims that no action was taken to ensure Caldwell Jr.’s safety.

The lawsuit also mentions previous incidents at The Quad, including the discovery of mold in Caldwell Jr.’s previous unit and altercations with his new roommate. Furthermore, the suit states that Caldwell Jr.’s roommate, John McIntosh, was arrested on the day of the shooting for possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled substance. Another former teammate of Caldwell Jr.’s, Maurice Campbell II, was arrested a week later for obstruction of justice and drug and firearm charges.

The Natchitoches Police Department is currently investigating Caldwell Jr.’s death, but no suspects have been named at this time. Caldwell Jr. transferred to Northwestern State in 2022 and played in 11 games during his first year with the Demons. Although he was unable to play in the 2023 season due to an injury, he remained involved with the team as a voluntary defensive assistant coach.

The lawsuit, represented by Daniel Williams & Associates and the Cox Pradia Law Firm, accuses the defendants of premises liability, survival and wrongful death negligence, and vicarious liability. It states that their actions showed conscious indifference to the safety of others and seeks compensation for the harm caused.

Attempts to contact The Quad’s management were unsuccessful. Northwestern State President Dr. Marcus Jones defended the decision to cancel the football season, emphasizing the health and safety of the student-athletes. He expressed regret that the team was not collectively addressed before the decision was made.

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