A night of violence at South Carolina State University (SC State) on Saturday left a 19-year-old woman dead and another man injured in two separate shooting incidents that authorities currently believe are unconnected. The shootings, which occurred near an on-campus housing facility, have prompted an investigation and led to the cancellation of campus events, including the Homecoming concert.
The deceased has been identified as Jaliyah Butler, a 19-year-old guest on the campus.
Gunshots were reported Saturday evening near the Hugine Suites, an on-campus housing facility, which led to a campus lockdown and off-campus students being urged to stay away. Butler was pronounced dead at MUSC Health Orangeburg.
Mother Shares Emotional Tribute
Butler’s mother, Heather Weaver, shared an emotional plea on social media, confirming her daughter’s death and asking for prayers.
“Yes it’s true my baby Jaliyah Butler is gone!” she wrote. In another post, she lamented, “To know I’ll never get to hear my baby Jaliyah Butler to tell me she love me again! I just can’t stomach that! Baby girl I wish this was a dream.”
Arrest Made, Second Victim Hospitalized
In a separate incident on the campus, an unnamed man, also a guest, was shot and taken to the hospital for treatment; his condition remains unclear.
Following the shootings, 18-year-old Matthew Daniel McCoy was arrested on Sunday and charged with pointing and presenting a firearm at a person and carrying a weapon on school property.
An arrest warrant from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division stated McCoy allegedly shot at an unidentified male twice with a loaded Glock handgun found in his vehicle.
University and Officials Respond
SC State President Alexander Conyers offered condolences and assured cooperation with the investigation.
“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,” Conyers stated. “We are cooperating fully with law enforcement as they investigate these senseless acts of violence.” The university is providing counseling and support to the “Bulldog Family” shaken by the tragedy.
The violence spurred a chaotic scene, with one student, Xiyelle Wright, telling a local outlet, “We heard a gunshot, and we just kept running.”
Investigations into both shootings are ongoing. U.S. Representative Jim Clyburn (D) spoke out on social media following the events, emphasizing the urgent need to address gun violence.
“We know something fundamental needs to change to protect South Carolinians from these kinds of tragedies,” Clyburn said. “The scourge of violence must end, and it is incumbent upon all of us to do what is right to safeguard our communities.”
READ: Tennessee Mom Arrested After Shocking Child Abuse Incident Caught On Camera
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox
