October 10, 2025

Tragedy at South Carolina State University Homecoming

South Carolina State University, October 10, 2025

News Summary

A 19-year-old woman, Jaliyah Butler, was fatally shot during homecoming festivities at South Carolina State University. The incident involved multiple shootings on campus, leading to an investigation by law enforcement. Butler’s family is in mourning as they plan her funeral, while a suspect has been charged in connection with the shootings.

Orangeburg, South Carolina – Jaliyah Butler, a 19-year-old woman from Saluda, South Carolina, was shot and killed during homecoming festivities at South Carolina State University on Saturday night, October 4. Butler was pronounced dead at MUSC Health Orangeburg Hospital following the shooting incident.

The situation unfolded during the university’s annual Homecoming concert, which was subsequently canceled due to the tragedy. The incident involved two separate shootings on campus, prompting a lockdown and alerts from the university. A suspect, identified as Matthew Daniel McCoy, 18, has been charged with pointing and presenting a firearm and carrying a weapon on school property, though it remains unclear which shooting he is connected to. Neither Butler nor the other victim in the separate shooting were students at South Carolina State University.

Butler’s family is currently in grief and planning her funeral, which is scheduled for Saturday. Butler’s grandmother, Helen Williams, described her as a sweet, quiet person who often protected and helped others. Williams believes that Butler was trying to save a friend during the shooting and noted that her granddaughter was shot in the arm and chest. She expressed feelings of blame regarding her granddaughter’s death, questioning her role as a protector.

Butler’s mother, Heather Weaver, confirmed her daughter’s death on social media, asking for privacy and prayers for the family during this difficult time. A close friend of Butler, Aniya Jones, shared an emotional tribute on Facebook, remembering her as her first friend in Greenwood.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is investigating the shootings and officials have urged anyone with information to come forward. SC State University President, Alexander Conyers, extended condolences to Butler’s family and stated that the university is cooperating fully with law enforcement in this matter.

In a separate incident on Wednesday night, deputies responded to a shooting at a residence near Lake Greenwood, where a man was found dead. The deceased has been identified as 30-year-old Thomas Jay Ruger.

Key Details

Name of Victim: Jaliyah Butler
Age: 19
Incident Date: October 4
Location: South Carolina State University
Suspect: Matthew Daniel McCoy, 18
Charges: Pointing and presenting a firearm, carrying a weapon on school property

Background Context

The homecoming festivities at South Carolina State University attracted many individuals to the campus, highlighting the significance of the event to the university community. However, the violence that transpired shattered the celebratory atmosphere and left families devastated.

The ongoing investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) seeks to uncover more details surrounding the shootings and hold those responsible accountable.

FAQ Section

Who was Jaliyah Butler?

Jaliyah Butler was a 19-year-old woman from Saluda, South Carolina, who was shot and killed during homecoming festivities at South Carolina State University on October 4.

What happened during the homecoming festivities?

The incident involved two separate shootings on campus, prompting a lockdown and alerts from the university. Jaliyah Butler was pronounced dead at MUSC Health Orangeburg Hospital following the shooting.