Columbia, S.C. — Authorities have apprehended an 18-year-old man in connection with a tragic shooting incident at South Carolina State University that resulted in two fatalities and one injury. Officials with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division announced the arrest of Khamanti Lytrel Kennedy on Tuesday, charging him with murder.
The incident unfolded last Thursday evening around 9 p.m. at Hugine Suites, a student housing facility on campus. Two individuals were pronounced dead; one at the scene and another shortly after arriving at a local hospital. A third victim, who survived the attack, received medical treatment.
Orangeburg County Coroner Sean Fogle identified the deceased as 19-year-old Henry L. Crittington from Orangeburg and 18-year-old Terrell Thomas of Norway. University officials confirmed that neither victim was a student at South Carolina State, although the survivor was enrolled at the institution.
According to an arrest warrant, Kennedy arrived on campus with three accomplices in a vehicle. Surveillance footage captured the group exiting Hugine Suites moments before the shooting occurred. The warrant indicates that the altercation may have stemmed from an attempted drug transaction involving marijuana.
Video evidence reportedly shows Kennedy fleeing the scene after the gunfire erupted. He has now been formally arraigned, but due to the severity of the charges, a magistrate was unable to set bond. A subsequent hearing regarding bail is scheduled to take place in general sessions court.
Following this tragic event, South Carolina State University has taken steps to enhance campus security. New protocols include stricter vehicle searches for all cars entering the campus, aiming to bolster safety and improve traffic management. Community leaders hope these measures will prevent future incidents and reassure students and staff of their safety while on campus.