Jaliyah Butler Obituary, Death – Authorities in Orangeburg County have released the name of the young woman who lost her life during an incident at South Carolina State University over the weekend. According to Coroner Sean Fogle, the victim has been identified as 19-year-old Jaliyah Butler of Saluda. Officials said Butler was taken to MUSC Health Orangeburg Hospital, where she was pronounced dead after an incident that occurred on Saturday night. The tragedy was one of two separate situations involving gunfire that led to a temporary lockdown of the university campus.
In a public statement, Coroner Fogle expressed his condolences to the affected families and the broader community. “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,” he said. “Please continue to pray for healing and strength as we move forward from this deeply saddening occurrence.”
The university issued an emergency alert to students and staff late Saturday night after reports surfaced of gunfire near Hugine Suites, one of the student housing complexes on campus. Authorities confirmed that this was the incident that resulted in Butler’s death.
Shortly afterward, a separate shooting was reported in another part of the campus, leaving one man injured. State investigators said early findings suggest that the two incidents are not connected. Neither of the individuals involved in these events were enrolled students at South Carolina State University, officials confirmed.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has taken over the investigation into both events and is coordinating efforts with local and campus police. On Sunday, SLED officials announced that they had arrested Matthew Daniel McCoy, a resident of Richland County, in connection with the ongoing inquiries.
McCoy has been charged with pointing and presenting a firearm at a person and carrying a weapon on school property, both of which are serious violations under state law. According to court documents, McCoy admitted during questioning that he fired a weapon at an unidentified individual, although investigators have not confirmed whether anyone was struck as a result. Authorities have not stated whether McCoy’s actions are directly tied to either of the two incidents under review.
Following the events, South Carolina State University remained under lockdown throughout Sunday, with access to campus restricted to essential personnel only. University officials said the measure was necessary to ensure safety while investigations continued.
During a 6 p.m. town hall meeting held for students and staff, university administrators provided updates on the situation and reassured the community that essential services, including meal provisions, would continue uninterrupted. Officials also urged calm and patience while the authorities completed their investigation.
The incidents have sent shockwaves through both the campus and the surrounding community. Students expressed concern and sadness over what had happened, noting that such events are rare at the university. Faculty and staff have been offering counseling and support to students as part of the university’s wellness response plan.
As of Sunday evening, investigators from SLED, the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety, and the university’s campus police continued to gather evidence and interview witnesses. Authorities have not yet announced whether additional arrests are expected.
Community leaders have also spoken out, calling for unity and reflection in the aftermath of the tragedy. “This is a difficult time for everyone — especially for the families of those affected,” one local pastor said. “We must continue to come together and support each other as a community.”
While details are still unfolding, officials have stressed that public safety remains their top priority and that updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The investigation remains active, and anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact law enforcement.
This tragic event has deeply affected the South Carolina State University community, reminding many of the importance of continued efforts toward peace, communication, and conflict resolution both on and off campus.
