South Carolina State University Shooting: Henry L. Crittington, 19, and Terrell Thomas, 18, Killed in Hugine Suites; Third Victim Freeman Nonny Injured as Campus Lockdown Issued.

ORANGEBURG, S.C. — A devastating shooting Thursday night at South Carolina State University (SCSU) has left two young men dead and a third individual injured, shattering the sense of security on the historically Black college’s campus. The Orangeburg County Coroner’s Office has identified the deceased as Henry L. Crittington, 19, of Orangeburg, and Terrell Thomas, 18, of Norway, South Carolina. Authorities have also confirmed that a third victim, identified as Freeman Nonny, was injured and transported to a local hospital for treatment .

The incident, which occurred inside an apartment at the Hugine Suites student housing complex, prompted an immediate campus lockdown as law enforcement swarmed the area. As the investigation continues, no arrests have been made, and officials have not released details regarding potential suspects .

Victims Identified

According to the Orangeburg County Coroner’s Office, Henry L. Crittington was pronounced deceased at the scene inside the Hugine Suites apartment. The 19-year-old Orangeburg native was found suffering from apparent gunshot wounds and succumbed to his injuries before emergency medical personnel could transport him .

Terrell Thomas, 18, a resident of Norway, South Carolina—a small town in Orangeburg County—was rushed to MUSC Health Orangeburg in critical condition. Despite life-saving efforts by medical staff, Thomas died shortly after arrival due to the severity of his gunshot wounds .

The third victim, Freeman Nonny, was also transported to a hospital following the shooting. Officials have not released Nonny’s age, current condition, or the nature of their injuries, citing privacy concerns and the ongoing investigation .

Coroner officials have announced that autopsies for Crittington and Thomas are scheduled to be conducted early next week. These forensic examinations will provide official determinations regarding the exact cause and manner of death and may yield critical evidence for investigators .

Timeline of Events

The shooting was reported on Thursday night inside an apartment located in Hugine Suites, a modern on-campus housing facility at South Carolina State University. The complex, named in honor of former university president Dr. M. Maceo Hugine Jr., primarily houses upperclassmen and is considered one of the university’s premier residential facilities .

In immediate response to the reports of gunfire, university officials issued a campus-wide lockdown at approximately 9:15 p.m. Thursday. The lockdown was implemented to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff who were on campus at the time. Students were instructed to shelter in place, secure their doors, and avoid common areas while law enforcement responded to the active scene .

Emergency responders, including the Orangeburg County Coroner’s Office, the South Carolina State University Police Department, and the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office, arrived at the scene within minutes. The lockdown remained in effect for several hours as investigators processed the crime scene, interviewed witnesses, and documented evidence .

Location: Hugine Suites

Hugine Suites represents a significant investment in student housing at South Carolina State University. The facility offers apartment-style living with amenities designed to provide a comfortable and secure environment for students. Thursday night’s shooting has raised urgent questions about security protocols within campus housing facilities .

The fact that the shooting occurred inside a residential apartment—rather than in a public outdoor space—has led investigators to focus on the possibility that the incident stemmed from a dispute or gathering that turned violent. However, authorities have not confirmed whether the victims were residents of the complex or visitors at the time of the shooting .

Ongoing Investigation

Multiple law enforcement agencies are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The South Carolina State University Police Department is leading the investigation with assistance from the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office, the Orangeburg County Coroner’s Office, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) .

Investigators are working to establish a clear timeline of events, identify all individuals present at the scene, and determine the sequence of gunfire that led to two fatalities. Key areas of focus include:

1. Forensic Evidence: Crime scene technicians have collected ballistic evidence, including shell casings and projectiles, which will be analyzed to determine the type of weapon used and the trajectory of shots.
2. Witness Interviews: Investigators are speaking with students, staff, and anyone who may have been in or near Hugine Suites at the time of the shooting.
3. Surveillance Footage: Authorities are reviewing campus security camera footage that may have captured activity inside the building, in parking lots, or on surrounding walkways.
4. Digital Evidence: Investigators may examine cell phone records and social media activity to identify communications between individuals prior to the shooting.

As of Friday morning, officials have not announced any arrests or identified any suspects. Authorities have not released information regarding whether the shooting appears to have been targeted or random, nor have they indicated whether the victims and the shooter(s) were known to each other .

University Response and Emergency Meeting

In the wake of the tragedy, South Carolina State University’s Board of Trustees announced it will hold an emergency meeting Friday at 5 p.m. to address the situation. The meeting is expected to focus on campus safety measures, support for affected students and staff, and the university’s response to the incident .

University officials have expressed profound concern for those affected by the shooting. In a statement released Friday morning, SCSU administration acknowledged the grief and shock reverberating through the campus community:

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life on our campus. Our hearts go out to the families, friends, and loved ones of those affected. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and are committed to providing support to our students and staff during this difficult time.”

Campus Support Resources

Following incidents of this nature, universities typically mobilize counseling and mental health services to assist students and staff struggling with trauma. South Carolina State University has made support resources available, including:

· Crisis Counseling: Mental health professionals are available through the university’s counseling center for students needing immediate support.
· Faculty and Staff Assistance: Employee assistance programs have been activated to provide support for university personnel.
· Community Gatherings: University chaplains and student affairs staff are organizing opportunities for students to gather, grieve, and support one another.

Students who were in Hugine Suites or nearby areas at the time of the shooting may be particularly affected and are encouraged to seek support services .

A Broader Look: Campus Violence in South Carolina

Thursday’s shooting at South Carolina State University adds to a troubling pattern of gun violence on college campuses across the nation and within South Carolina. While campus shootings remain statistically rare, their impact on communities is profound and lasting.

Recent Campus Shootings in South Carolina

South Carolina has experienced several high-profile campus shooting incidents in recent years:

· In February 2023, a shooting near South Carolina State University’s campus resulted in one death and multiple injuries, though that incident occurred off-campus at a fraternity house .
· In April 2022, a shooting at a block party near the University of South Carolina campus in Columbia injured multiple people, including students .
· In October 2021, a shooting at a football scrimmage between S.C. State and Voorhees College resulted in multiple injuries .

These incidents have prompted ongoing discussions among university administrators, law enforcement, and lawmakers about how to improve campus safety, address gun violence, and support student mental health .

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

South Carolina State University, founded in 1896, is the only public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in South Carolina. HBCUs have faced unique challenges in recent years, including bomb threats and security concerns. In early 2022, SCSU was among dozens of HBCUs nationwide that received bomb threats, disrupting campus life and prompting heightened security measures .

The shooting at Hugine Suites represents a different kind of threat—one that occurred inside a residential building and resulted in loss of life. University officials are likely to face questions about security protocols, access control, and measures to prevent future incidents .

Call for Information

Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward. Even small details can prove crucial in helping investigators identify those responsible and piece together the events leading to the tragedy .

Individuals with information can contact:

· South Carolina State University Police Department
· Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office
· Crime Stoppers (anonymous tips may be submitted)

Law enforcement emphasizes that community cooperation is essential in solving cases of this nature. Witnesses who may have seen or heard something suspicious are encouraged to contact authorities immediately .

Community Impact

The deaths of Henry L. Crittington and Terrell Thomas have sent shockwaves through their families, friends, and communities. Both young men were at the beginning of their adult lives—Crittington, 19, an Orangeburg native; Thomas, 18, from the small town of Norway, South Carolina. Their futures were cut short by an act of violence that has left a campus and a community in mourning .

The injury of Freeman Nonny adds another layer of trauma to an already devastating event. Friends and family await updates on Nonny’s condition while grappling with the reality of the shooting.

Conclusion

The shooting at South Carolina State University’s Hugine Suites stands as one of the most tragic events in the institution’s recent history. As the campus community mourns the loss of Henry L. Crittington and Terrell Thomas, and prays for the recovery of Freeman Nonny, questions remain about how such violence could occur inside a campus residence hall.

The South Carolina State University Board of Trustees’ emergency meeting Friday evening will likely address immediate safety concerns and outline steps the university will take in response. Meanwhile, law enforcement continues its painstaking investigation, working to identify and apprehend those responsible.