18-Year-Old Released on Bond After Arrest in SC State University Shootings as Investigation Continues
ORANGEBURG, S.C. — An 18-year-old arrested for his alleged involvement in the South Carolina State University shootings has been released on bond as the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) continues investigating two violent incidents that rocked the campus during homecoming weekend.
Suspect Released on Bond Following Arrest
Authorities confirmed that Matthew Daniel McCoy, a resident of Blythewood, was released from the Orangeburg County Detention Center after posting an $87,000 bond. McCoy faces charges of pointing and presenting a firearm at a person and carrying a weapon on school property.
According to arrest warrants, McCoy allegedly retrieved a loaded Glock handgun from his vehicle after witnessing a fight between two groups on campus and fired twice toward an unidentified male wearing a black and red hoodie.
Officials noted that McCoy was not enrolled at SC State, though his actions are being investigated in connection to one of two separate shooting incidents reported that night.
Two Separate Shootings, One Dead and One Critically Injured
SLED confirmed the shootings were unrelated. One occurred at Poplar Hall, where a man who was not a student was critically injured. The second took place at Hugine Suites, where 19-year-old Jaliyah Butler of Saluda was shot and killed while visiting for homecoming festivities.
University President Alexander Conyers said Butler, McCoy, and the other victim were all non-students. More than 200 officers were deployed across campus that night, but two responding to a separate altercation were diverted at the time shots were fired at Hugine Suites.
Campus on Edge as Investigation Expands
Students and parents expressed growing concern about campus safety following the shootings. “It was shocking and I’m sure it’s shocking to all the parents,” said Andre Johnson, a parent of an SC State student. Another student, Cameron Williams, said he no longer feels safe on campus. “No,” he said when asked directly about his sense of security.
Others like Tyquisha Steplight admitted they now avoid public spaces. “I just stay in my dorm room all the time now ’cause it’s like really scary. It could happen at any time. You never know.”
The investigation remains active, with SLED urging anyone with information to come forward through its tip line. Classes have resumed, but midterm exams were rescheduled to October 18–22 to allow students time to recover from the weekend’s chaos.
University and Law Enforcement Continue Coordination
Officials say the ongoing investigation will determine whether McCoy’s charges will be upgraded or if additional suspects will face arrest. Law enforcement continues to review evidence and surveillance footage from multiple campus locations.
The Saluda Standard-Sentinel encourages readers to share their thoughts on campus safety and ongoing investigations at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com, where updates will be posted as more details become available.
