Woman found dead at USC apartment complex confirmed to be university student

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A woman found dead Tuesday night at an on-campus apartment complex at the University of South Carolina has been identified.

Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford said the body of 18-year-old Eliana Peterson was found on the 600 block of Lincoln Street.

“We will continue working with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division to fully investigate this death. Our thoughts and prayers are with the USC community,” Rutherford said in a statement.

University spokesperson Jeff Stensland said in a statement that Peterson was confirmed to be a freshman student at USC.

“The university can confirm the death of one of our students, Eliana,“Ellie”, Peterson, a first-year student from Sumter, South Carolina majoring in chemistry. Her death was reported yesterday (Tuesday) and occurred at the 650 Lincoln student housing complex. It is currently under investigation by the State Law Enforcement Division. No additional details are available at this time, but there is no threat to campus," he said.

Stensland also said that Carolina’s student affairs team is offering support to those affected and other members of the campus community.

SLED said it was requested to investigate by the University of South Carolina Police Department.

A large law enforcement presence in the area caused the section of Lincoln Street to be shut down during a USC men’s basketball game. The street has since reopened.

A SLED spokesperson said its investigation remains “active and ongoing.”

No further details were immediately available.

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

Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.