Man Charged in Deadly Shooting at South Carolina State University Dorm

Khamanti Lytrel Kennedy, 18, accused of killing two people during a marijuana deal gone wrong

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Police have charged an 18-year-old man, Khamanti Lytrel Kennedy, with murder after a shooting inside a dorm room at South Carolina State University that left two people dead and another injured. The shooting occurred during a marijuana deal, according to an arrest warrant. Kennedy, who is not a student at the university, had previously been arrested for having a gun on campus and was out on bond at the time of the incident.

Why it matters

This is the second fatal shooting on the South Carolina State University campus in just over four months, raising concerns about campus safety and security. The university has implemented new measures like visitor restrictions and increased surveillance, but is also seeking $8 million in additional funding for further security upgrades.

The details

According to the arrest warrant, Kennedy arrived at the university with three other people on Thursday night. The group got something out of their vehicle and the shooting happened during a drug deal over marijuana in the dorm room. The warrant did not specify who fired the weapons. Kennedy fled the scene after the shooting but was later identified as a suspect through the university's new security measures, including additional surveillance cameras.

  • The shooting occurred on Thursday night inside the Hugine Suites housing complex at South Carolina State University.
  • Kennedy was arraigned in court in Orangeburg County on Tuesday.

The players

Khamanti Lytrel Kennedy

An 18-year-old man who has been charged with murder after the deadly shooting inside a dorm room at South Carolina State University. Kennedy is not a student at the university and was out on bond after a previous arrest for having a gun on campus.

South Carolina State University

A public historically black university located in Orangeburg, South Carolina. The university has faced two fatal shootings on campus in just over four months, prompting new security measures and a request for $8 million in additional funding for further upgrades.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Khamanti Lytrel Kennedy to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing challenges universities face in maintaining campus safety and security, particularly in the face of gun violence. South Carolina State University's efforts to bolster security measures and seek additional funding for upgrades underscore the importance of proactive steps to protect students, faculty, and staff.