Man Charged With Murder After Two Shootings at Winston-Salem State Homecoming Leave 1 Dead, 3 Hurt

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., Nov. 8 (TodayViralUSA) — A 20-year-old man has been charged with murder after one of two shootings on the campus of Winston-Salem State University during homecoming weekend left a 19-year-old dead, police said Sunday. Three other people were wounded in the two incidents.

Officers heard gunshots shortly after 9:45 p.m. Saturday near the 600 block of South Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and found Peyton Patterson, 19, with a gunshot wound, the Winston-Salem Police Department said. Officers and paramedics tried to save him, but he died of his injuries. A 22-year-old woman was also shot; she was treated at a local hospital and released.

Suspect held without bond

Police charged Ziyaire Spinks, 20, with murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury, and felony possession of a firearm on educational property. He is being held without bond, according to WXII. Detectives described that shooting as an isolated incident.

Police confirmed Sunday morning that a second, separate shooting also took place on campus Saturday night but have not released details about it. Assistant Police Chief Jason Swaim said at an overnight briefing that it was too early to say whether the two shootings were connected, The Associated Press reported.

Homecoming events canceled

The campus, a historically Black university, was placed on lockdown during the response; the lockdown was lifted early Sunday and students were allowed to return to their dorms. The shootings came hours after the WSSU Rams’ homecoming football game, which drew about 10,000 fans.

Chancellor Bonita J. Brown said “this senseless violence” had shaken the university community and canceled all remaining homecoming events. She said additional law enforcement would remain on campus while the investigation continues and that counseling is available to students and staff.

Police asked anyone with information to call the Winston-Salem Police Department at 336-773-7700.