University of South Carolina student Nicholas Donofrio fatally shot while trying to enter wrong home: police

A student was shot and killed when he tried to enter the wrong home in a neighborhood near the University of South Carolina early Saturday morning.

Nicholas Anthony Donofrio, 20, was found dead on the front porch of an off-campus home by Columbia police officers after they received a call of a reported home burglary, the department said in a press release.

Police said Donofrio, a Connecticut native, lived on the same street as the house he entered early Saturday, which is located less than 2 miles from the university’s main campus.

“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.

Officers were called to the house around 2 a.m. for the break-in, but a second call reported shots being fired before law enforcement arrived.

The Richland County Coroner’s Office identified Donofrio, who suffered from a gunshot wound to the upper body.

The University of South Carolina’s first day of classes for the fall semester started last Thursday.

“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,” the university said in a statement.

Police have not revealed who shot Donofrio, or if any charges have been filed in the case as an investigation that “remains active” the police department.

“CPD investigators will continue to consult with the Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office regarding the circumstances of the case,” the statement concluded.

With Post wires