The South Carolina State University community is in mourning following two separate shootings on campus Saturday night that left one student dead and another person injured. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has launched a full investigation into the incidents, which sent shockwaves through the campus and surrounding community.
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According to authorities, the shootings occurred near Hugine Suites, prompting an immediate lockdown and the cancellation of the university’s homecoming concert. The chaotic night ended in heartbreak with the tragic loss of 19-year-old Jaliyah Butler, a student from Saluda, South Carolina, who was pronounced dead at MUSC Health Orangeburg. An autopsy is scheduled for later this week.
In a separate incident, a male victim sustained gunshot injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Investigators believe the two shootings were unrelated.
On Sunday, SLED announced the arrest of 18-year-old Matthew Daniel McCoy, who faces charges of 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 and fired two shots toward an unidentified male during a confrontation between two groups. It remains unclear if McCoy played any role in the fatal shooting of Butler.
Earlier that same day, police arrested five other individuals for attempting to bring weapons onto campus, further heightening safety concerns during homecoming weekend.
In response to the shootings, the university extended its lockdown through Monday, with classes canceled and campus access restricted to students, staff, and law enforcement. Parents seeking updates have been directed to contact Public Safety at (803) 536-7188 or visit the checkpoint at Chestnut Street/Wilkerson Boulevard.
Community leaders and officials expressed their grief and support in the aftermath 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 recovery of those injured. Homecoming is meant to be a time of joy — my heart goes out to the entire Bulldog community.”
University President Alexander Conyers also released a statement, saying, “We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the young woman who lost her life and to all affected. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement to ensure justice and prioritize campus safety.”
Counseling and support services have been made available through the University’s Counseling and Self-Development Center as the SCSU family comes together to grieve the loss of Jaliyah Butler — a promising young student whose life was tragically cut short.