2 arrested after Berry College student shot to death

Two teenagers are facing murder and other charges in connection with the shooting death of a Berry College student, police said.

The shooting happened about 2:30 p.m. Saturday at an apartment complex in Rome.

Ricket Carter III, 19, of Columbus and Troy Cokley, 19, of Riverdale, went to Rome to meet Joseph McDaniel, 19, of Columbus, police said. During a fight, McDaniel was killed and police charged Carter and Cokley with murder, aggravated assault, armed robbery and possession of controlled substance.

Berry College released the following statement:

"It has been a difficult semester. With sorrow and regret, I share that Joseph McDaniel was shot and killed last night at an off-campus location on Old Summerville Road.

"Joseph was a third-year student at Berry studying business management. As a college community already mourning the loss of one of its students, this additional tragedy cuts deep. We grieve with Joseph’s family and friends. Students are encouraged to reach out to their Resident Advisors or Student Affairs staff members if they need assistance in connecting with a member of the Counseling Center or Chaplain’s staff.

"The police are investigating all leads regarding the circumstances of the shooting and more information will be provided at a later time.

"Our community has been remarkable in showing support and care for each other in tragic circumstances and it is heartbreaking to need to do so again. Please be as supportive of each other as possible as we all seek to make sense of this tragedy."

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