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South Carolina authorities have charged 18-year-old Khamanti Lytrel Kennedy with murder following a fatal shooting inside a South Carolina State University dormitory that left two dead and one injured during what investigators described as a marijuana deal gone wrong.
The incident occurred Thursday night at the Hugine Suites housing complex on the Orangeburg campus. According to arrest warrants filed by the State Law Enforcement Division, Kennedy arrived at the university with three others before the shooting erupted during a drug transaction.
Henry L. Crittington, 19, and Terrell Thomas, 18, both non-students, were killed in the gunfire. A third victim, identified only as a student at the university, was wounded. Officials have not released his name or current condition.
Court records reveal that Kennedy, who is not enrolled at the university, was already out on bond from a September arrest involving possession of a firearm on campus. Authorities have not specified who fired the weapons during Thursday’s confrontation.
This marks the second fatal shooting at South Carolina State in just over four months. In October 2023, during homecoming celebrations, a 19-year-old woman was killed near the same residential complex, prompting multiple arrests on gun-related charges.
University officials credited enhanced security measures implemented after the October shooting, including additional surveillance cameras, with helping to quickly identify Kennedy as a suspect in this latest incident.
“The safety of our students remains our absolute priority,” a university spokesperson said in a statement. “We’re taking immediate steps to further strengthen campus security while supporting those affected by this tragedy.”
During Kennedy’s Tuesday arraignment in Orangeburg County court, a judge denied bond. According to local newspaper The Times and Democrat, Kennedy answered questions directly from the judge and appeared without legal representation.
In response to the shooting, the university has enacted stricter security protocols. Visitors are now restricted to campus access between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. and must undergo security screening. Students must enter through designated gates using their university IDs.
The university administration is also seeking $8 million in funding from state lawmakers to implement comprehensive security upgrades, including construction of a new campus police station and hiring additional officers.
The violence has deeply affected the tight-knit community at South Carolina State University, the state’s only public historically Black university. Founded in 1896, the institution serves more than 2,900 students and holds significant historical importance in the civil rights movement.
The shooting coincidentally occurred as the campus was preparing to commemorate the 58th anniversary of what has become known as the Orangeburg Massacre. On February 8, 1968, state highway patrol officers opened fire on a crowd of Black students who had gathered on campus following demonstrations against segregation at a local bowling alley. Three young men were killed and dozens injured in that tragic incident.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the latest shooting. The State Law Enforcement Division, which handles major crimes at state institutions, is leading the inquiry in coordination with campus police.
University officials have made counseling services available to students and staff affected by the violence, while community leaders have called for renewed discussions about campus safety and gun violence prevention.
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26 Comments
Marijuana deals gone wrong – this is exactly why drugs should be legalized and regulated. Prohibition only leads to these kinds of tragic outcomes.
That’s an interesting perspective. Legalization could potentially improve safety, but it’s a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides.
Terrible news. My heart goes out to the victims’ families and the SCSU community. Campus safety must be the top priority for university administrators.
Well said. Tragic incidents like this should spur immediate action to enhance security measures and support services for students.
Drug deals gone wrong on college campuses – this is a disturbing trend that needs to be stopped. Stricter enforcement and education are needed.
I agree, this type of criminal activity has no place on university grounds. Comprehensive solutions are required to address the root causes.
Marijuana deals gone wrong – this underscores the need for drug policy reform and a public health-focused approach, rather than criminalization.
That’s an interesting take. Exploring alternative solutions beyond the current criminal justice framework could help address the root causes of such incidents.
This is the second fatal shooting at SCSU in just over 4 months. Clearly more needs to be done to address violence and improve campus safety.
You make a good point. Recurring incidents like this indicate a deeper issue that university administrators must urgently address.
It’s disturbing that the suspect was already out on bond for a previous gun-related incident. More needs to be done to keep firearms off college campuses.
Yes, the criminal history is very concerning. Campus safety has to be the top priority for university administrators and law enforcement.
This is a devastating incident, and the details are still emerging. Hopefully the investigation can provide clarity and lead to measures that prevent future tragedies.
I agree. A thorough, transparent investigation is crucial to understanding what happened and implementing effective solutions to improve campus safety.
Tragic incident at SCSU. Hopefully the investigation can shed light on what exactly happened and why. This type of violence on college campuses is deeply concerning.
Agreed, it’s a terrible situation all around. Hopefully authorities can prevent similar incidents in the future.
Curious to know more about the suspect’s background and whether there were any warning signs that could have prevented this incident. Improving campus security is critical.
Good point. Understanding the circumstances and identifying any potential red flags is crucial to developing effective prevention strategies moving forward.
Two lives lost in this incident – my condolences go out to the victims’ families and loved ones. No one should have to experience such a tragedy.
Agreed, the loss of life is heartbreaking. Hopefully the community can come together to support the victims’ families during this difficult time.
It’s heartbreaking to see such violence erupt during what should be a safe, nurturing environment for students. My condolences to all affected.
Absolutely. College campuses should be havens of learning, not sites of deadly altercations. This is a tragic loss for the SCSU community.
While the details are still emerging, it’s clear this was a senseless act of violence. My thoughts are with the SCSU community as they grapple with this tragedy.
Well said. Campus communities should not have to endure such traumatic events. Hopefully this serves as a wake-up call for improved security measures.
Sad to see another instance of violence on a college campus. Clearly more needs to be done to address the root causes and ensure the safety of students.
You’re right. This type of incident is unacceptable, and university leaders must take proactive steps to address the underlying issues and protect their communities.