In a neighborhood near the University of South Carolina, a shooting took place early Saturday morning that resulted in the death of a sophomore student. The Columbia police responded to a reported home burglary and discovered that Donofrio had mistakenly entered the wrong residence. Nicholas Anthony Donofrio, 20, was found shot on the front porch of an off-campus home. The incident occurred less than 2 miles from the university’s main campus.
According to the Columbia Police Department, preliminary information suggests that Donofrio, a Connecticut native, resided on South Holly Street, the same street where the incident took place. Tragically, he attempted to enter the wrong home, leading to the fatal shooting. Law enforcement received two calls regarding the incident, with the first reporting a break-in and the second indicating shots fired. The Richland County Coroner’s Office confirmed that Donofrio suffered a gunshot wound to the upper body.
The University of South Carolina expressed its condolences and offered support to those affected by the tragedy. The university’s Student Affairs team is providing resources and assistance to students in need. They emphasized that help is always available for students facing difficult situations. The incident occurred just days after the start of the fall semester.
As of now, the police have not disclosed the identity of the shooter or whether any charges have been filed. The investigation remains active, and the Columbia Police Department’s investigators will consult with the Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office to determine the circumstances surrounding the case.