Norfolk State student killed in accidental shooting, police say

Semaj Richelle Coleman, 22, was a senior studying Health Services Management. A 23-year-old man faces involuntary manslaughter and firearm charges.

Norfolk State University is mourning the loss of a 22-year-old student who died after a shooting off campus over the weekend. Police say their preliminary investigation determined the shooting was accidental.

Semaj Richelle Coleman, of Mollusk, Virginia, was shot Saturday night, Oct. 24, in a parking lot in Norfolk, according to police and university officials. She later died from her injuries.

Coleman was a senior at Norfolk State University, a historically Black university in Virginia, majoring in Health Services Management. The university confirmed her death and offered condolences to her family, friends and fellow students.

The shooting occurred in the 5700 block of East Virginia Beach Boulevard. Police said they were notified around 11:45 p.m. Saturday that a woman had arrived at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital with a life-threatening gunshot wound. Coleman later died at the hospital.

Matthew B. Croslin, 23, of Newport News, was taken into custody at the scene, according to the Norfolk Police Department. He has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and reckless handling of a firearm. Croslin is being held at Norfolk City Jail without bond.

Police said their preliminary investigation determined the shooting was accidental. Authorities have not publicly detailed the circumstances that led to the shooting, and the investigation remains ongoing.

The charges against Croslin are allegations. The preliminary police finding does not replace the legal process as the case moves forward.

In a statement, Norfolk State University’s Office of the President remembered Coleman as an active member of the Spartan community.

“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Semaj’s family, friends, classmates, faculty, and all those who knew and loved her,” the university said. “The loss of a member of our Spartan family is deeply felt, and we recognize that this news may bring shock, grief, and many difficult emotions.”

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The university also shared details about Coleman’s campus involvement. She participated in Norfolk State’s Spartans Promise to Persist with Purpose program and was recently inducted into the National Association for Allied Health Professions.

Coleman’s death leaves members of the university community grieving the loss of a student pursuing a career in health services management. The university said counseling and support services are available to students, faculty and staff.

Students seeking support can contact the Norfolk State University Counseling Center at 757-823-8173. After-hours assistance is available at 757-823-9000. Students can also access virtual support through TimelyCare.

Police have not released additional details about the shooting. The investigation remains ongoing.