Wednesday night’s fatal shooting rocked the Charleston community following the death of 21-year-old Jiilek Harrington, a West Virginia State University (WVSU) senior.
According to the Charleston Police Department, officers responded to a disturbance call in the 700 block of Regency Drive where several shots were fired.
Upon arrival, they found Harrington suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite first responders’ efforts to save his life, Harrington was pronounced dead at the scene.
Harrington, who recently transferred to WVSU from his hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina, was an integral part of the varsity football team. Playing as an inside linebacker, he quickly developed a reputation as a dedicated athlete and was known for his strong work ethic on and off the field.
Charleston Fire Department personnel arrived at the police station shortly after and attempted life-saving measures. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to revive Harrington. He was pronounced dead at the scene, marking another tragic episode of gun violence that continues to plague communities across the United States.
The Charleston Police Department has launched an active investigation into the circumstances leading up to the shooting, but few details have been released at this time.
Authorities have not identified any suspects or a clear motive for the attack, leaving many unanswered questions as they work to piece together the events of that night. Charleston police are urging anyone with information to come forward, stressing that the public’s cooperation is vital to solving this case.
