COLUMBIA, S.C. — An 18-year-old has been arrested in connection with a tragic incident at South Carolina State University, where a shooting last week resulted in two fatalities and left another person injured. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division announced the arrest of Khamanti Lytrel Kennedy late Tuesday.
The incident occurred around 9 p.m. last Thursday in a room at Hugine Suites, a university housing complex. Three individuals were shot, with one victim dying at the scene and another succumbing to injuries at the hospital. The surviving victim was treated for injuries at the same facility.
The identities of the victims were disclosed by Orangeburg County Coroner Sean Fogle. Henry L. Crittington, 19, from Orangeburg, and 18-year-old Terrell Thomas from Norway were named as the deceased. University officials confirmed that neither victim was enrolled at South Carolina State, while the third individual who survived is a student.
According to an arrest warrant, Kennedy arrived on campus in a vehicle with three others. Surveillance footage captured the group exiting Hugine Suites shortly before the shooting unfolded. The warrant indicates that the incident was connected to a drug deal involving marijuana, with agents asserting that Kennedy was seen fleeing the scene after the gunfire.
Kennedy has completed his initial court appearance. Due to the serious nature of the charges, a magistrate could not set bail, prompting a future bond hearing in general sessions court.
In response to the shooting, South Carolina State University has implemented new security measures aimed at enhancing campus safety. These changes include stricter vehicle inspections for all incoming traffic, regardless of entry point, to improve security and traffic flow on campus.