COLLEGE KID SHOT DEAD

Tried to enter wrong home

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

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.

‘Tragedy’

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 a gunshot wound to his upper body.

The University of South

Carolina’s first day of classes for the fall semester was 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 “remains active.”

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

FATAL MISTAKE: University of South Carolina sophomore Nicholas Anthony Donofrio was shot dead after going to the wrong house on the street where he lived, authorities said.