The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is investigating two separate shootings that occurred Saturday night on the campus of South Carolina State University, leaving one student dead and another person injured.
Suspect Arrested After Deadly South Carolina State University Shootings
The incidents prompted a full campus lockdown after reports of shots fired near Hugine Suites. As a precaution, the university canceled its scheduled homecoming concert.
Authorities confirmed that 19-year-old Jaliyah Butler, of Saluda, was killed in one of the shootings. She was pronounced dead at MUSC Health Orangeburg. An autopsy is scheduled for later this week. In a separate incident, a male victim was shot and taken to a local hospital with injuries. Investigators currently believe the two shootings are not connected.
On Sunday, SLED announced the arrest of 18-year-old Matthew Daniel McCoy. He has been charged with Pointing and Presenting a Firearm at a Person and Carrying a Weapon on School Property. According to arrest warrants, McCoy had a loaded Glock handgun in his vehicle parked on campus. Investigators say he fired two shots toward an unidentified male during a fight between two groups. At this time, officials have not confirmed whether McCoy was directly involved in the fatal shooting of Butler or the injury of the male victim.
Earlier in the day, five others were arrested for attempting to bring weapons onto the campus.
As the investigation continues, South Carolina State University remains on lockdown, with classes canceled for Monday. Campus access is restricted to students, employees, and law enforcement. Parents seeking updates on their children are asked to call Public Safety at 803-536-7188 or visit the checkpoint at Chestnut Street/Wilkerson Boulevard.
Community leaders and officials have spoken out in the wake of the tragedy. U.S. Senator Tim Scott shared:
“My prayers are with the family and loved ones of the young woman who was killed, and for the full recovery of those injured at South Carolina State University. Homecoming is meant to be a time of celebration and community. My heart goes out to the entire Bulldog community as they face this tragic news.”
SC State President Alexander Conyers added:
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the young woman who lost her life and to all who have been affected. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement as they investigate these senseless acts of violence. The safety and well-being of our students, employees, and guests remain our top priority.”
Counseling services are being provided to students through the university’s Counseling and Self-Development Center as the community grieves this devastating loss.
