College junior shot dead after trying to enter the wrong house in the middle of the night
A university student was shot and killed after trying to get into the wrong house.
Nick Donofrio, a junior at the University of South Carolina, died from a gunshot wound to his upper body at around 2am on Saturday (26 August).
The 20-year-old, originally from Connecticut, reportedly lived in a frat house that was on the same street as the property he tried to enter.
Police initially received reports that of a burglary and were en route to the address when the call updated, with reports that shots had subsequently been fired.
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When they arrived at the scene, cops found a young man, who was later identified as Mr Donofrio, lying dead on the porch.
The City of Columbia police department said in a statement: "Columbia Police Department (CPD) officers are investigating the overnight shooting of a 20-year-old male University of South Carolina student from Connecticut.
"Shortly before 2:00 a.m. today, officers were dispatched to the 500 block of South Holly Street for a reported home burglary.
"While en route, the emergency call for service was upgraded to a shots fired call.
"When officers arrived on the scene, they found a deceased male on the front porch with a gunshot wound to the upper body.
"The Richland County Coroner's Office has identified the male as Nicholas Anthony Donofrio."
The statement went on: "Preliminary information indicates that Donofrio who resided on South Holly Street attempted to enter the wrong home when he was fatally shot.
"CPD investigators will continue to consult with the Fifth Circuit Solicitor's Office regarding the circumstances of the case."
Mr Donofrio was studying Kinesiology and Exercise Science at South Carolina, having transferred from the University of New England.
Following his death, the student's parents paid tribute for their 'loving' son.
Speaking to News8, Dina and Louis Donofrio said: "A great son, loving, compassionate, all the traits you would want in a son."
In a statement of its own, the University of South Carolina said it was shocked by the news and would be offering all the support required by students.
"Our Student Affairs team is providing resources and support to those who may be affected by this tragedy, and we remind all of our students that help is always available to them," a spokesperson for the uni said.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing, and police did not identify the shooter.
Dominic Smithers