The authorities in Columbia, South Carolina have announced that the person who shot and killed a 20-year-old college student will not face criminal charges. Nicholas Anthony Donofrio, a University of South Carolina student, was fatally shot when he attempted to enter the wrong home early Saturday morning. The Columbia Police Department stated in a Wednesday statement that the shooting was deemed “justifiable” under state law.
Police Chief W.H. Holbrook expressed his condolences to the Donofrio family for their devastating loss. He emphasized that the lead investigator diligently gathered all the facts and maintained contact with the family throughout the investigation.
According to police reports, Donofrio repeatedly knocked, banged, and kicked at the front door while trying to enter the home. A female resident called 911, while a male resident retrieved his firearm from another room. Donofrio ultimately broke through the front door’s glass window and reached inside to manipulate the doorknob, prompting the male resident to fire a shot through the window.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found Donofrio deceased on the porch with a gunshot wound to the upper torso. The police determined that the shooting constituted a “justifiable homicide” under the state’s Protection of Persons and Property Act, commonly known as the “stand your ground” law. This law grants individuals the right to use a firearm to protect themselves in their home without facing legal consequences.
The police statement clarified that the decision was based on various factors, including evidence gathered at the scene, surveillance video footage, audio evidence, and witness statements. As charges were not filed in this case, the homeowner’s name will not be publicly released, according to the police.
Donofrio’s parents, who reside in Connecticut, expressed their grief in an interview with New Haven outlet WTNH. They described their son as an exceptional individual and stated their intention to establish a scholarship in his honor. A fundraiser initiated by Donofrio’s fraternity, Phi Kappa Sigma, has garnered over $120,000 in support of the family’s endeavor.
It is important to note that gun violence remains a critical issue in the United States, with nearly 29,000 deaths recorded this year alone, according to the Gun Violence Archive.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
