Thomas Michael DiLorenzo, a 63-year-old male, was tragically killed in the early morning hours of July 17, 2020, during a stroll with his wife in Charleston, South Carolina. The couple had recently relocated to the area for his wife's new position as provost at the College of Charleston. DiLorenzo himself had just retired from a distinguished career in academia, having served as the provost at the University of North Dakota.
On that fateful morning, at approximately 6:15 a.m.
near the intersection of King and Clifford streets, DiLorenzo and his wife were approached by two individuals who demanded money. During the attempted robbery, DiLorenzo was shot. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. His wife was not physically harmed in the encounter. The sudden and violent nature of the crime sent shockwaves through the community, prompting a swift and intensive investigation by the Charleston Police Department.
Within a short period, law enforcement officials made arrests in connection with the fatal shooting. Three teenagers, two aged 15 and one 16, were taken into custody. The investigation revealed that the incident was part of a brief crime spree involving a stolen vehicle. Two of the teenagers allegedly confronted the DiLorenzos, while the third served as the driver. The Charleston solicitor's office made the decision to charge all three suspects as adults, facing charges of murder and attempted armed robbery. One of the teens also faced a charge for possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a violent crime. The legal proceedings that followed sought to bring justice for the untimely death of a beloved husband and respected academic.
