One dead after attempted robbery of SC provost, husband in tourist area, college says
UPDATE: Charleston Police have identified a vehicle they say was involved in the deadly robbery, a silver, 2005 Acura TL, license plate number SPM409. They believe three men, “possibly in their mid to late-teens,” were in the car.
Police are asking anyone with information about the vehicle or its occupants to contact them.
A college leader’s husband died after an attempted robbery in a South Carolina tourist area, officials say.
Tom DiLorenzo was shot early Friday when he was with his wife Suzanne Austin, provost and vice president of academic affairs at the College of Charleston, school president Andrew T. Hsu said in a letter published online.
Austin wasn’t hurt in the robbery attempt, the letter said.
The alleged incident happened off campus, near the intersection of King and Clifford streets, according to the college. King Street is known for its shopping and dining destinations, the city of Charleston says on its website.
The Charleston Police Department said it was investigating a homicide that happened in the same area but didn’t release the victim’s name.
Officers in a news release said a couple was walking at about 6:15 a.m. when two people came toward them. One demanded money from the husband and wife at gunpoint before getting away, according to the college and police.
The husband was rushed to a hospital, according to officials.
The Charleston County Coroner’s Office said Thomas DiLorenzo, 63, died minutes later of a gunshot wound.
“Our time with Tom was too short – much too short,” the College of Charleston president said in his letter. “He and Suzanne had only just moved to Charleston a few weeks ago.”
The school encouraged those affected to seek counseling or support services.
“This is a moment of great sorrow for the entire College of Charleston community,” Hsu said. “In this difficult time, I want to express heartfelt condolences to Suzanne and the Austin and DiLorenzo families.”
Police ask anyone with information about the deadly shooting to call them at 843-743-7200 or Crime Stoppers at 843-554-1111.
This story was originally published July 17, 2020 at 2:23 PM with the headline "One dead after attempted robbery of SC provost, husband in tourist area, college says."
