A 20-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting during homecoming weekend at Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina, an incident that left 19-year-old student Peyton Izaia Patterson dead and several others injured.
Authorities identified the suspect as Ziyaire Antonyo Spinks, who faces multiple criminal charges following the November 7, 2026, shooting on the university campus in Winston-Salem.
According to the Winston-Salem Police Department, officers heard gunshots at approximately 9:46 p.m. Saturday while providing security during homecoming celebrations. They responded to the 600 block of South Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, where they found Patterson suffering from a gunshot wound.
Officers and emergency medical personnel attempted lifesaving measures, but Patterson died at the scene.
A 22-year-old woman, identified as Alyssa Janae Ellerbee, also sustained gunshot injuries. She was transported to a local hospital, where she received treatment and was later released.
Ziyaire Spinks Faces Multiple Charges
Police investigations led to the arrest of Spinks, 20, who authorities say was involved in a confrontation between two groups that escalated into gunfire.
Investigators allege that Spinks fired a weapon into the group during the altercation. Police confirmed that he was not a student at Winston-Salem State University.
He faces charges including murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury, and felony possession of a firearm on educational property. Authorities said he was being held without bond.
An 18-year-old, Cequan Warren Brower, was also charged with affray in connection with the initial disturbance. His bond was set at $50,000.
Both defendants were scheduled to make their first court appearances on Monday, November 9.
Second Shooting Leaves Two More People Injured
The violence continued later that evening when another shooting was reported on campus at approximately 10:22 p.m., near Victory Circle and Cromartie Street.
Police identified two additional victims, Makyiah Ward, 20, and Najir Pearsall, 21. Pearsall was hospitalized in critical but stable condition, while Ward was reported to be in stable condition.
Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the second shooting. Authorities have not announced any arrests in that case.
University Cancels Remaining Homecoming Events
Following the shootings, Winston-Salem State University Chancellor Bonita J. Brown expressed condolences to Patterson’s family and wished those injured a full recovery.
The university canceled its remaining homecoming activities and arranged support services for affected students and members of the campus community.
Officials also confirmed that additional law enforcement personnel would remain on campus as investigations continued.
Patterson’s death has cast a shadow over what was expected to be a celebratory homecoming weekend. As the investigation progresses, authorities are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the violence and ensure accountability through the judicial process.