Nick Donofrio: How a Wrong Turn Led to a Fatal Shooting of a 20-Year-Old in South Carolina
Nick Donofrio was a sophomore at the University of South Carolina, majoring in business administration. He was also a former basketball captain and a graduate of Daniel Hand High School in Madison, Connecticut. He was described by his parents, friends, and coaches as a loving, compassionate, smart, and charismatic young man.
On Saturday, August 26, 2023, around 2 a.m., Nick Donofrio’s life was cut short when he was fatally shot on the front porch of a house on South Holly Street in Columbia, South Carolina. According to the police, he had mistakenly entered the wrong home, which was adjacent to his off-campus residence. The homeowner, who has not been identified, fired a single shot at Donofrio, hitting him in the upper body. Donofrio was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Columbia Police Department said that the investigation is still active and that they are consulting with the Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office regarding the circumstances of the shooting. No charges have been filed against the homeowner as of yet.
A community in shock and grief
The news of Donofrio’s death has shocked and saddened his family, friends, and community. His parents, Louis Donofrio and Dina Barra Donofrio, released a statement saying:
“We are heartbroken by the loss of our son Nick. He was a great son, loving, compassionate, all the traits you would want in a son. He had a bright future ahead of him and we are devastated that it was taken away so soon.”
His former basketball coach at Daniel Hand High School, Jimmy Economopoulos, said that Donofrio was a leader on and off the court. “He was just a smart, engaging, charismatic young man. He had a great sense of humor, he was always smiling. He was a joy to coach and to be around,” Economopoulos said.
His classmates and teammates at the University of South Carolina also expressed their condolences and memories of Donofrio on social media. One of his friends wrote: “Nick was one of the kindest people I have ever met. He always had a positive attitude and a smile on his face. He was a loyal friend and a great person to be around. I will miss him dearly.”
The University of South Carolina issued a statement saying that they are providing resources and support to those who may be affected by this tragedy. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our students and extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends,” the statement said.
A call for justice and prevention
Donofrio’s death has also raised questions about the legality and morality of the shooting. Some people have compared his case to that of Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old Black woman who was killed by police officers in her own home in Louisville, Kentucky, in March 2020. They have argued that Donofrio’s race and gender may have played a role in his fate.
Others have pointed out that South Carolina has a “stand your ground” law, which allows people to use deadly force against intruders if they fear for their lives or property. They have questioned whether the homeowner had a reasonable fear of Donofrio or whether he acted too hastily or recklessly.
Some people have also called for stricter gun control laws and more education on gun safety and responsibility. They have suggested that homeowners should use non-lethal methods to deter or stop intruders, such as alarms, locks or pepper spray.
| Name | Nick Donofrio |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | March 15, 2003 |
| Date of death | August 26, 2023 |
| Age | 20 |
| Hometown | Madison, Connecticut |
| College | University of South Carolina |
| Major | Exercise science |
| High school | Daniel Hand High School |
| Basketball position | Point guard |
