NORFOLK, Va. — Semaj Richelle Coleman, a 22-year-old senior at Norfolk State University from Mollusk, Virginia, died after suffering a gunshot wound in an off-campus shooting in Norfolk late Saturday night, October 24, 2026. A 23-year-old man has been charged in connection with her death.

Norfolk police identified the suspect as Matthew B. Croslin, 23, of Newport News, Virginia. According to authorities, Croslin was taken into custody at the scene and subsequently charged following an investigation that indicated the shooting was accidental.

The death of Coleman, who was pursuing a degree in Health Services Management, has prompted an outpouring of grief from the Norfolk State University community.

According to the Norfolk Police Department, officers were notified at approximately 11:45 p.m. Saturday that a woman had arrived at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital with a life-threatening gunshot wound.

The woman was later identified as Coleman. Despite receiving medical attention, she died from her injuries.

Investigators determined that the shooting occurred in a parking lot in the 5700 block of East Virginia Beach Boulevard in Norfolk.

Police identified Croslin as the person charged in connection with the incident. He was taken into custody at the scene.

Following their preliminary investigation, authorities said the shooting appeared to have been accidental. Croslin was charged with involuntary manslaughter and reckless handling of a firearm.

He is being held without bond at the Norfolk City Jail, according to police.

The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have not provided additional details about the circumstances that led to the shooting beyond their preliminary assessment.

Coleman was a senior majoring in Health Services Management at Norfolk State University. A native of Mollusk, Virginia, she was involved in university life and had recently achieved an important professional milestone.

According to the university, Coleman participated in the Spartans Promise to Persist with Purpose (SP3) program and had recently been inducted into the National Association for Allied Health Professions.

Her academic progress, campus involvement, and professional recognition represented significant accomplishments as she continued working toward her educational goals.

The university community expressed profound sadness over her death, extending condolences to her family, friends, classmates, faculty members, and everyone who knew her.

Coleman’s death has left members of the campus community mourning the loss of a fellow Spartan whose life and academic journey were cut short.

In an announcement to the university community, Norfolk State University confirmed that Coleman had died following an incident off campus in the 5700 block of East Virginia Beach Boulevard.

University officials acknowledged the emotional impact of the tragedy and recognized the milestones Coleman had reached during her time at the institution.

The announcement also emphasized the university’s commitment to supporting students, faculty, and staff as they process the loss.

Officials said there was no known threat to the campus community at the time of the announcement.

The university indicated that additional information would be shared when appropriate and consistent with details provided by law enforcement.

Recognizing that Coleman’s death could leave students and university employees experiencing shock, grief, and emotional distress, Norfolk State University made counseling and support services available to members of the campus community.

According to the university announcement, Student Affairs and counseling personnel were scheduled to provide in-person support from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Student Center Room 149 and the Proximity Community Room on the day of the announcement.

Students, faculty, and staff experiencing grief or other emotional difficulties were encouraged to seek assistance.

The university’s response reflects the importance of providing support to those affected by the loss of a fellow student and member of the Spartan community.

Norfolk police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.

Croslin faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and reckless handling of a firearm. Police have said preliminary findings indicate that the shooting was accidental.

The charges are allegations, and the case will proceed through the criminal justice system.

As the investigation continues, Coleman’s family, friends, classmates, and fellow Spartans are left to grieve her death and remember her academic accomplishments and involvement in university life.

Channel2 NOW extends its condolences to Semaj Richelle Coleman’s family, friends, classmates, and everyone affected by this tragic loss.