The man charged in connection with the fatal shooting of a Norfolk State University senior was granted bond at a hearing Monday, about nine days after the 22-year-old died in a Waffle House parking lot. Matthew B. Croslin, 23, is charged with involuntary manslaughter and reckless handling of a firearm in the death of Semaj Richelle Coleman, a senior majoring in health services management at the university.
According to WAVY.com, Croslin was granted bond during Monday's hearing. That marks a shift from what was reported in late October, when the Daily Press reported Croslin was being held at Norfolk City Jail without bond following his arrest.
Coleman died after arriving at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital with a life-threatening gunshot wound, the Daily Press reported at the time, citing police information. The outlet also reported that police said their preliminary investigation determined the shooting was accidental and that it happened in a parking lot in the 5700 block of East Virginia Beach Boulevard.
What Court Paperwork Says Happened
Court documents describe Croslin telling detectives he was talking with Coleman about firearms in the Waffle House parking lot when he showed her his gun and it discharged, striking her in the chest. Per the same documents, Croslin then attempted to render aid to Coleman before driving her to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where she later died.
Witnesses told police there had been no fight or argument leading up to the shooting, the court paperwork states. Investigators interviewed Croslin twice as part of their inquiry, and he now has a preliminary hearing scheduled as his next court proceeding.
Prosecutor Defends Bond Ruling
Norfolk Commonwealth's Attorney Ramin Fatehi addressed the bond decision, saying it was understandable and made sense from a public-policy perspective. Fatehi said people who accidentally harm someone should stay and help rather than flee the scene.
Fatehi noted that Croslin stayed, rendered aid, drove Coleman to the hospital, and explained what happened to investigators. Still, he said that does not excuse what Croslin did, noting he was charged with a crime over the shooting.
The Charges He Faces
Under Virginia law, involuntary manslaughter is punishable as a Class 5 felony, according to the Code of Virginia. Separately, the state's reckless-handling statute makes it unlawful to handle a firearm in a manner that recklessly endangers any person's life, limb or property, per the Code of Virginia.
The case remains open as Croslin awaits his preliminary hearing. Further details on the proceedings have not been released.
