South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating two shootings at South Carolina State University during homecoming weekend that killed a 19-year-old woman, critically injured a man, and wounded a third person Saturday night.
The shootings transformed what began as a celebratory homecoming day into a campus lockdown situation that extended through Sunday. Student Madison Miscey described the abrupt shift from festive atmosphere to violence.
“Everyone was grilling, eating their food and then a shooting happened,” Miscey said.
The first shooting occurred at Hugine Suites, on-campus housing, where Jaliyah Butler, 19, was killed. The Orangeburg County Coroner identified Butler as the deceased victim.
A man was severely injured in the second shooting and transported by helicopter to a nearby hospital, where he remained Sunday. A third person sustained injuries.
SLED charged Matthew McCoy, 18, in connection with the shootings. According to reports, McCoy pointed a gun at another man and fired two shots after witnessing an argument between two groups.
University President Alexander Conyers confirmed that the suspect and three victims were not students. “We expect the maximum punishment for anyone that comes on this campus with the intent to harm any of our students,” Conyers said.
Conyers spent Saturday night on campus at Hugine Suites with his wife and daughter and remained Sunday to speak with students.
The campus remained on lockdown Sunday. “So it was just the fear of being hit by a bullet and not being able to live again,” Miscey said, describing the atmosphere.
The university deployed more than 200 security personnel for homecoming, including campus police, State Highway Patrol, SLED, local police, and federal agencies. Security measures included drones, helicopter surveillance, and over 300 monitored cameras. A new police command center was positioned near the largest student residence and athletic zone.
Richland County Representative Hamilton Grant said security presence was adequate. “I felt completely safe while I was on campus. I think rather than man power we’ve got to have plans,” Grant stated.
Classes are canceled Monday. Counseling will be available for all students, and university officials scheduled a town hall Monday for students to voice concerns.
The incident raises questions about security protocols during large campus events and the challenge of preventing violence involving non-students at university functions.
