Claflin University Mourns as Student Fatally Shot in Weekend Incident; Nathaniel Grant Charged with Murder in Orangeburg County

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WCSC) — A tragic shooting over the weekend has left a Claflin University student dead and the Orangeburg community in mourning. Authorities say Nathaniel Grant has been arrested and charged in connection with the killing of 20-year-old O’Brian Grant, a promising student whose life was cut short under violent and deeply disturbing circumstances.

According to the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office, Nathaniel Grant, whose name bears no familial connection to the victim despite the shared surname, has been charged with murder, grand larceny, and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.

Grim Discovery on Legendary Road

The tragic discovery was made Saturday morning around 10:30 a.m., when Orangeburg County dispatchers received a 911 call reporting the presence of a body along Legendary Road, a rural area outside the city limits. Responding deputies found the lifeless body of O’Brian Grant with gunshot wounds. He was declared dead at the scene.

According to officials, O’Brian had last been seen by friends late Friday evening, and the news of his death sent shockwaves through the Claflin University community, where he was a sophomore. Fellow students and faculty remember him as a “humble, driven, and compassionate young man,” who was actively involved in student organizations and aspired to work in the field of business administration.

A “Cowardly” Crime and a Puzzling Motive

During a Monday news conference, Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell described the crime as “cowardly” and “senseless,” expressing frustration and sorrow over the killing of a young man with a bright future ahead.

“The only thing we are trying to put together at this point is the motive,” Ravenell said. “Other than being a coward, we don’t have a clear motive on why this incident occurred.”

Authorities are still investigating the relationship—if any—between the victim and the suspect. As of now, there is no evidence that the two knew each other personally.

Stolen Vehicle, Tampered Evidence, and a “Fake” Bill of Sale

In a turn of events that further shocked investigators, Nathaniel Grant was found to be in possession of the victim’s black 2015 Honda Accord. The sheriff revealed that the license plate had been changed in an attempt to disguise the vehicle. Even more brazenly, investigators recovered a forged bill of sale inside the car—a handwritten document dated the very day of the killing.

“It wasn’t a real bill of sale—it was an invoice,” Sheriff Ravenell said, visibly frustrated. “It was the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen. It was a clear attempt to cover his tracks.”

Ravenell went on to say that Grant likely drafted the document to make it appear as though he had purchased the vehicle legally. However, inconsistencies in the paperwork quickly raised red flags for investigators.

Public Plea and a Message to the Killer

During Monday’s news conference, the sheriff made a pointed statement to the suspect, saying:

“I can almost guarantee that the person who committed this crime is watching this press conference. You should be very uncomfortable right now. We’re coming.”

His words echoed the sentiments of a community reeling from violence and demanding justice. Sheriff Ravenell praised the diligence of his investigative team and affirmed that law enforcement will pursue this case relentlessly until all aspects of the incident are brought to light.

A Community in Mourning: “He Deserved So Much More”

At Claflin University, a historically Black institution with deep ties to the Orangeburg community, students and staff have gathered in prayer and reflection since news of O’Brian’s death broke. A candlelight vigil is being planned by student leaders, and grief counselors have been made available on campus.

One of O’Brian’s professors shared:

“O’Brian was the kind of student you looked forward to seeing in class—thoughtful, respectful, and curious. He had so much potential, and to see it end this way is just devastating.”

His classmates echoed the sentiment, expressing heartbreak over the loss of someone they saw not only as a peer but as a leader and friend.

Moving Forward

Nathaniel Grant is currently being held at the Orangeburg County Detention Center. It is not yet known if he has obtained legal representation. A bond hearing is expected to be scheduled in the coming days.

Authorities continue to urge anyone with additional information to come forward as they piece together the final moments of O’Brian Grant’s life and the chilling decisions made by the alleged perpetrator.

As a promising future is laid to rest far too soon, the Orangeburg community is left grappling with grief—and the determination to ensure justice is served.