Kean mourns one of its own
By Marisa Gallagher
The Kean community mourns the loss of 22-year-old student, William McCaw, an accounting major, whose body was found in a yard outside a New Brunswick home on the morning of Feb. 15.
McCaw, also known as “Billy,” was last seen at a Valentine’s Day party, wearing a red tee-shirt and a white bandana tied around his head. He was beaten to death, and his body was found on Hartwell Street, an area near Rutgers that is well-known for college housing. Authorities say he suffered blunt force trauma.
Students that learned more about the murder and tragic death of McCaw, showed concern about the public safety of the area where his body was found and many college students reside.
“I feel as though maybe college housing at Rutgers is sufficient, but that they can improve on the security within the college town,” said Lindsay Erskine, a communications major and Kean alumni.
“The amount of officers on duty could increase to ensure the safety of students that live off campus.”
Aside from the murder investigation and safety concerns that surround the unsolved case, students and teammates remember McCaw as someone who was outgoing, friendly and always smiling.
Christian Acosta, a Rutgers graduate and former teammate of McCaw, said the most memorable moment they shared was winning a championship together. The two played soccer together on an intramural team for two semesters.
“We won the championship together. He was a great soccer player and teammate,” said Acosta. “I would see him at parties and always greet him. He seemed out-going and friendly.”
Aside from a candlelight vigil held by the fraternity McCaw belonged to, an online memorial service was organized to raise funds that will support the his family. The memorial service was created on GoFundMe, an online service that can help raise money for any cause, where the donations have reached over $25,000 and are still growing. The overall goal that is set for donations is $100,000.
An email was sent out to students and faculty from Kean Department of Public Safety/Police that read, ‘in conjunction with the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and the New Brunswick Police Department, is seeking any and all information in reference to the recent murder of Kean University student William McCaw in New Brunswick.’
Authorities are urging anyone with information in regards to the murder of McCaw to come forward, as any bit of information is helpful. Informants are urged to contact Det. Sgt. Gorman of the Kean University Police Department at 908-737-4823 or by email at mgorman@kean.edu.
“I hope Billy gets justice. It is tragic to lose someone so young and nice,” said Acosta, “someone out there has to know what happened.”
Services on campus are being offered to students grieving the loss of the soccer player and Pi Kappa Phi brother. The services are provided to students and members of the community that seek support at the Downs Hall.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Martinez of the New Brunswick Police Department at (732) 745-5217, extension 6028, or Investigator Daniewicz of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s
Office at (732) 745-4018.