SC State remains on lockdown after shootings, 18-year-old charged, victim identified

Photo courtesy: Hugine Suites, X

ORANGEBURG, SC (WOLO) — According to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), 18-year-old Matthew Daniel McCoy is being charged with “Pointing and Presenting a Firearm at a Person, and Carrying a Weapon on School Property” following two shootings that occurred on Saturday evening.

McCoy was booked into the Orangeburg County Detention Center. Arrest warrants show that McCoy had a loaded Glock handgun in his vehicle — parked on campus.

One woman was shot and killed. Orangeburg County Coroner Sean Fogle says 19-year-old Jaliyah Butler from Saluda was pronounced dead at MUSC Health Orangeburg. An autopsy is scheduled for later this week. “My heart goes out to all the victims of this unfortunate event and to their families, the South Carolina State University family and the Orangeburg County community. Continue to pray for these individuals and our county that we may heal and recover
from this tragic event,” Fogle says.

SLED reports that a man was injured in the second shooting, and is currently in the hospital.

The shootings are not believe to be connected at this time, however, SLED says its investigations are active and ongoing.

Anyone with information on either incidents should call (866) 472-8477 and/or email tips@sled.sc.gov.

McCoy’s case will be prosecuted by the 1st Circuit Solicitor’s Office. The SLED investigation was requested by the South Carolina State University Department of Public Safety.

The investigation comes after South Carolina State issued a lockdown on campus after reports of a shooting at Hugine Suites on Saturday night. According to the university’s website, the campus remains on lockdown, cancelling classes for Monday, and cancelling all Homecoming events scheduled for Sunday:

U.S. Senator Tim Scott released the following statement following the shootings:

“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. We are grateful to the law enforcement officers who responded swiftly to protect lives and who continue working diligently to bring answers and justice. In the face of such senseless violence, I remain committed to helping ensure that campuses are safe and secure learning environments for all.”

Congressman Jim Clyburn also released a statement saying, “I offer my sincere condolences and heartfelt empathies to the victims of the shootings that took place at South Carolina State University. As a “loyal son” and proud alumnus of SCSU, this incident is a horrific tragedy to many of us who celebrated homecoming this weekend. Homecoming is about students, their friends and families, none of whom should be subjected to such senseless acts. The epidemic of gun violence exacts far too high a toll on our communities – and we experienced it happening right here in South Carolina and Montgomery, Alabama this past weekend. None of the victims, or currently identified perpetrators, are South Carolina State students. But these shootings call into question “open carry” laws that make the lives of college administrators difficult and put the lives of innocents at risk. But we know something fundamental needs to change to protect South Carolinians from these kinds of tragedies. The scourge of violence must end, and it is incumbent upon all of us to do what is right to safeguard our communities.”

Concerned parents are asked to visit the Public Safety checkpoint at the Chestnut Street, Wilkerson Boulevard Gate or call the school’s police department at 803-536-7188.