In the fall of 2014, Diamoney Greene, a 20-year-old female student, was embarking on a new chapter in her life at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. She had recently transferred from South Carolina State University, where she was a cheerleader, and was pursuing a degree in criminology and criminal justice. Remembered for her bright smile and upbeat personality, she was not only a dedicated student but also a loving mother to a young daughter.
Friends and family recalled how she brought a glow into any room she entered and was known for her joyful passion for life.
The tragic events unfolded in her apartment at the Copper Beech complex, a residence popular with students. On a Tuesday evening in November, a roommate returned to the apartment and was unable to open the front door. After looking through a side window and seeing a distressing scene, the roommate immediately contacted the police. Inside, authorities discovered the bodies of Diamoney Greene and 21-year-old Brandon Early.
The Richland County Coroner's Office determined that Diamoney Greene died from a single gunshot wound to the head in what was ruled a homicide. Brandon Early, with whom Greene had been in a relationship, was found to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The investigation concluded that the incident was a murder-suicide. While the two had been dating for about six months, Diamoney's father stated that she had never indicated any problems in the relationship. The families of both were left shocked and devastated by the sudden and violent loss.
