2 killed in SC State shooting were not students, school says

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WIS) - Two men were killed in a shooting on the campus of South Carolina State University that sent the campus into an hours-long lockdown late Thursday.

The school said two men were killed as a result of the shooting at the Hugine Suites student housing complex. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division later clarified that the shooting happened inside a room at the complex.

Orangeburg County Coroner Sean Fogle later identified the two killed as 19-year-old Henry L. Crittington and 18-year-old Terrell Thomas. Crittington died at the scene, while Thomas succumbed to his injuries at a hospital.

Neither was a student at SC State, the school confirmed to WIS. Autopsies are scheduled for next week.

A third man, who was identified as an SC State student, was also injured in the incident. No additional details were provided on his condition.

SC State entered lockdown at around 9:15 p.m. Thursday. It was lifted shortly after 5 a.m. Friday. As of around 4 p.m. Friday, SC State said there were “no known threats to campus.”

University officials also said that classes are canceled through Monday on the Orangeburg campus. All weekend activities have been canceled. Saturday’s home men’s basketball game against Morgan State has also been postponed to Feb. 25.

“The safety and well-being of all university students, employees and guests are our priority. Students are encouraged to use the counseling services provided by the university on campus,” SC State said in a statement.

Thursday’s shooting came just four months after 19-year-old Jaliyah Butler was killed and two others were injured in two unrelated shootings that occurred over homecoming weekend in October.

Butler’s parents said that news of the latest shooting brought back tragic memories of a day that they say changed their lives forever.

“Very frustrating. Because it seems like a repeat and a feeling of losing a child. That’s something you can’t get over. For another parent to go through this is crazy,” Heather Weaver, Butler’s mother, said.

Senior student and resident assistant for freshman Mekayla Tolar said that the latest shooting has taken an emotional toll on her.

“Three deaths in first year is a lot and very unnecessary... So I just do my best to be as affirming and reassuring as possible. While still just trying to have my HBCU pride, you know, because this is a good institution. It’s a great place to be, to learn. But this does make it very difficult for children to want to come here and to want to stay here,” she said.

The university said it has asked SLED to investigate, while officers from the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety and the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office continue patrolling the area.

No further details were immediately available.

The SC State Board of Trustees is met at 5 p.m. Friday, with only an executive session item listed on the agenda.

This is a developing story. Stay with WIS for the latest.

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