HOUSTON, Tx. (KALB) - The family of Ronnie Caldwell, Jr., a junior safety for the Northwestern State University (NSU) football team, held a press conference on Friday, Oct. 27, accompanied by their legal representatives from Cox Pradia Law Firm and Daniel/Williams and Associates. During the conference, the family announced their intention to take legal action against multiple parties following Caldwell's untimely death on October 12.

Standing alongside Ronnie Caldwell Sr. and Blanche Caldwell, the Cox Pradia Law Firm released a family statement expressing their grief and outlining the events leading up to Ronnie's tragic end. The family revealed that Ronnie had been moved to a different apartment within The Quad Apartment Complex in Natchitoches, Louisiana, due to mold in his original unit. However, despite being a student at NSU, Ronnie was placed with a non-university, non-college student as his new roommate. This roommate, who had a history of encounters with law enforcement, was found in possession of guns and drugs.

According to the family's statement, Ronnie's new roommate pulled a gun on him on October 9, prompting Ronnie to inform his parents. Ronnie's father immediately contacted Northwestern State Head Football Coach Brad Laird, pleading for help and alerting him to the dangerous situation. Coach Laird assured the family that he would take immediate action and relocate Ronnie to a safe place. Sadly, no steps were taken, and the family received the devastating news three days later that Ronnie had been murdered.

The family emphasized that there were warning signs leading up to the tragedy and expressed the belief that Northwestern State University, including Head Football Coach Brad Laird, failed to ensure Ronnie's safety. The family stressed that coaches and university staff have a vital responsibility to protect athletes under their care and create a nurturing environment for them.

In response to Caldwell's death, Northwestern State University has canceled the remainder of the 2023 football season, citing the mental health and well-being of its student-athletes as the primary reason for the decision. NSU President Marcus Jones expressed deep sadness over the loss of Ronnie and acknowledged the profound impact it had on the team. Head Coach Brad Laird also tendered his resignation, stating that the emotional burden made it impossible for him to give his all to the players and the program he loved.

The Natchitoches Police Department has made arrests in connection with Caldwell's death. John McIntosh, the roommate of the deceased, was arrested for possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance. Maurice Campbell II, a teammate of Caldwell, was also arrested on charges of obstruction of justice, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance.

As the investigation into Ronnie Caldwell's death continues, the family's intention to pursue legal action against the relevant parties remains a focal point. Their hope is that through their advocacy, no other student-athlete will suffer a similar fate, and Ronnie's life can have a lasting impact. Northwestern State University and the NSU community continue to mourn the loss of Ronnie, offering their deepest condolences and support to the Caldwell family in this difficult time.