The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is intensifying its investigation into the tragic shootings that took place on the South Carolina State University campus on October 4, seeking a person of interest linked to the event. This shooting resulted in the death of 19-year-old Jaliyah Butler, while another man sustained critical injuries and was airlifted to a hospital for treatment.
In the fallout of this incident, authorities have made significant progress in the investigation, arresting three individuals connected to the shootings. On October 27, they charged 18-year-old Matthew McCoy with two offenses: carrying a weapon on school property and pointing and presenting a firearm. McCoy has since been released on a combined bond amounting to over $87,000.
Additionally, another teenager, 18-year-old Jimmy Lee Thompson Jr., was taken into custody on October 9. He posted a $10,000 bond following charges related to carrying a weapon on school grounds.
A third suspect, 18-year-old Treveion James Crawford, faced similar charges when he was apprehended on October 28 for carrying a weapon on school property.
Despite the multiple arrests, authorities clarified that they do not believe the shootings are interconnected, although both investigations are still ongoing. The community is urged to assist in the probe; anyone with relevant information is encouraged to reach out to SLED by calling (866) 472-8477 or emailing tips@sled.sc.gov.
