ORANGEBURG, S.C. — South Carolina Law Enforcement Division investigators on Wednesday arrested and charged a 19-year-old man in connection with two shootings that occurred on the campus of South Carolina State University on Oct. 4, 2025, authorities said.
What changed for residents and students
The new charges come after a campus shooting that left 19-year-old Jaliyah Butler dead and another person critically injured and flown to a hospital. The arrest adds a second named suspect in the case; prosecutors will now review the charges brought by SLED.
SLED identified the newly charged man as Deon David Savage, 19. He was booked into the Orangeburg County Detention Center and is to be prosecuted by the 1st Circuit Solicitor’s Office, officials said.
Charges and earlier developments
Investigators previously charged another teenager in May. That 18-year-old, Darrell Lee Goss Jr., faces counts including presenting a firearm, carrying a weapon on school property and aggravated breach of the peace, according to SLED.
- Newly charged: Deon David Savage, 19 — possession of a firearm on school property; pointing a firearm at a person; aggravated breach of the peace.
- Previously charged: Darrell Lee Goss Jr., 18 — pointing and presenting a firearm; carrying/displaying firearm on school property; aggravated breach of peace.
| Suspect | Age | Principal charges |
|---|---|---|
| Deon David Savage | 19 | Possession of firearm on school property; pointing a firearm; breach of peace aggravated |
| Darrell Lee Goss Jr. | 18 | Pointing/presenting a firearm; carrying/displaying on school property; breach of peace aggravated |
Investigation and how to help
The South Carolina State University Department of Public Safety requested SLED’s review following the October incidents. SLED said the investigation is ongoing and urged anyone with information to come forward.
Tips may be submitted by calling (866) 472-8477 or by emailing tips@sled.sc.gov. Authorities did not release further details about a motive or whether additional arrests are expected.
Students and community members should follow campus public safety guidance and watch for official updates from SLED and the 1st Circuit Solicitor’s Office as the case progresses.
— Delia Hayward, South Carolina Correspondent
