Nicholas Donofrio: No charges against homeowner who shot dead University of South Carolina student

2023-08-31 20:45

The 20-year-old, who died on August 26, has been remembered as 'fun, charismatic, energetic, and a true man of honor'

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA: The person responsible for taking the life of Nicholas Anthony Donofrio won’t face any charge since their action was deemed "justifiable homicide" under the South Carolina law, police have said.

Donofrio, a University of South Carolina student, died on August 26 after being gunned down by a homeowner as he attempted to enter their house.

However, an official statement by The Columbia Police Department (CPD) said, “After consulting with the Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office regarding the circumstances of the South Holly Street fatal shooting last weekend, charges will not be filed against the homeowner.”

It explained, “As a result, the homeowner’s name will not be publicly released.”

“The Columbia Police Department (CPD) and Solicitor’s Office have deemed the incident as a justifiable homicide under the Protection of Persons and Property Act. (SC Code of Law 16-11-410 & 420),” the statement noted.

What happened with Nicholas Anthony Donofrio on August 26?

The CPD’s release also included more details about the last week incident that claimed the life of the 20-year-old University of South Carolina student.

It stated, “Donofrio mistakenly went to the wrong home and attempted to enter by repeatedly knocking, banging, and kicking at the front door while manipulating the door handle.

“While the female was still on the phone with emergency dispatchers, Donofrio broke the front door glass window and reached inside to manipulate the doorknob.”

“At that time, the male resident fired a single shot through the broken door window striking Donofrio in the upper body,” the statement added.

GoFundMe for Nicholas Anthony Donofrio

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe has been started for Donofrio by his frat brothers from the university's fraternity Phi Kappa Sigma. The fundraiser described him as “fun, charismatic, energetic, and a true man of honor.”

It went on to share, “The brothers of Phi Kappa Sigma and his hometown community of Madison, CT are joining together to help the Donofrio family with their wish to establish scholarships at both the University of South Carolina and Daniel Hand High School in Nick’s honor.”

“Nick will be forever remembered within our fraternity and his home community. His presence will be missed by so many,” the GoFundMe added.