The parents of a University of South Carolina student, Nicholas Anthony Donofrio, who was fatally shot while entering the wrong home, are heartbroken. They had recently dropped off their son, known for his compassion, for his junior year.
The 20-year-old had moved into a new residence with friends just a week before the tragic incident.
They mentioned that they had driven their son, a Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity member, to start his junior year.
Although they didn’t delve into the details of the shooting, they fondly described Donofrio as an exceptional and caring son with all the qualities parents could hope for.
According to the police, they received a call about a reported break-in at the house located on the same block as Donofrio’s residence.
“Preliminary information indicates that Donofrio, who resided on South Holly Street, attempted to enter the wrong home when he was fatally shot,” the statement read.
As stated on his LinkedIn page, the young man shifted from the University of New England in 2021 and was pursuing studies in kinesiology and exercise science.
His parents, who chose not to reveal their names, informed the news source that Donofrio completed his education at Daniel Hand High School in Madison, Connecticut, where he actively participated in baseball and basketball.
According to Jimmy Economopoulos, his former basketball coach, Donofrio, held the position of team captain during his senior year.
“It’s heartbreaking. When (I heard the news, my heart just sank,” Economopoulos told CT Insider on Sunday.
“He was just a smart, engaging, charismatic young man. … It wasn’t the phone call I expected to get yesterday, that’s for sure.”
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Kate Reynolds, who lives in the same neighborhood where the shooting occurred, expressed her shock over the incident that abruptly ended a young life.
“You think you’re going to be safe sending your kid off, you’re so excited sending your kid to school, and something like this happens,” Reynolds said while talking to WLTX.
“It’s not how you want to start college and something traumatic. You’re going to have those memories of your friend. The whole experience is kind of tainted with that, too,” she said.
“I hate to hear that somebody … even in the neighborhood because this is usually such a more welcoming and friendly neighborhood than that,” Reynolds added.
The fall semester classes at the University of South Carolina started on Thursday.
The university issued a statement saying, “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.”
As the investigation remains active, authorities have not disclosed information about who shot Donofrio or whether any charges have been filed in the case.
The police mentioned, “CPD investigators will continue to consult with the Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office regarding the circumstances of the case.”
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