02 September 2023 , 02:05
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The fatal shooting of a student shot after mistakenly entering wrong home was "justifiable", police say.
Nick Anthony Donofrio, a 20-year-old junior at the University of South Carolina, tragically lost his life when he entered the wrong house in Columbia, South Carolina, where he lived. The incident occurred around 2am on a Saturday. His parents had helped him move into his new home only a week earlier. Donofrio's body was discovered on the front porch of an off-campus residence, and the cause of death was identified as a gunshot wound to his upper body.
Now, the police department and the Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office have determined the homeowner's actions were justified under the state's controversial "castle doctrine" law, which determines people can act in self-defence toward "intruders and attackers without fear of prosecution or civil action for acting in defence of themselves and others."
Columbia Police said the decision not to charge the shooter is based on factors, including "evidence gathered at the scene, review of surveillance video that captures moments before the shooting, audio evidence, and witness statements." According to previously unreported details that police released about the incident Wednesday, Donofrio repeatedly knocked, banged and kicked on the front door "while manipulating the door handle" in trying to enter the home.
Police and emergency services responding to the fatal shooting on South Holly Street (WLTX/Youtube)Hailing from Madison, Connecticut, Donofrio was pursuing a degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science. He had previously attended Daniel Hand High School in Madison before transferring to the University of South Carolina from the University of New England.
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At the time of his passing, he was a Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity member and had been excited about sharing a frat house with four friends during the academic year. His grieving parents told News8: "[Nick was] a great son, loving, compassionate, all the traits you would want in a son." According to reports, law enforcement received an initial call regarding a possible home burglary at the location. However, before officers could arrive, the situation escalated to shots being fired.
When the police reached the scene, they discovered Donofrio's lifeless body on the residence's porch. Authorities from the City of Columbia police department took over the investigation, and the Richland County Coroner's Office later identified the victim as Nicholas Anthony Donofrio.
Nick Anthony Donofrio, 20, was found dead on the front porch of an off-campus home (Louis Donofrio/Facebook)
Donofrio, who was from Madison, Connecticut, lived in a frat house on the same street as the home he entered (Louis Donofrio/Facebook)Preliminary information suggests that Donofrio had accidentally tried to enter the incorrect house, resulting in the fatal shooting. The circumstances surrounding the incident prompted the Columbia Police Department to consult with the Fifth Circuit Solicitor's Office as part of its investigation.
The tragic loss deeply affected the University of South Carolina community. The university's Student Affairs team offered resources and support to individuals impacted by the incident, emphasising the availability of assistance to students during this difficult time. As of the provided information, no arrests had been made in connection with the case, and the investigation was ongoing. 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.