US University Shootings During Homecoming Leave One Dead, Suspect Arrested

One person was killed and three others injured in two separate shootings at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) in North Carolina during its homecoming celebrations on Saturday night (November 7). Police have arrested a suspect in connection with the fatal shooting, while investigations into the second incident continue.

The first shooting occurred at around 9:45 pm local time, when officers heard gunfire on campus and found 19-year-old Peyton Izaia Patterson suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite attempts by officers and emergency medical personnel to save him, he died at the scene. A woman, identified as Alyssa Janae Ellerbee, was also shot. She was taken to a hospital and later released.

Police arrested Ziyaire Antonyo Spinks, 20, in connection with the killing. He faces charges of murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury, and possession of a firearm on educational property. He is being held without bond.

Authorities said the shooting followed an altercation between two groups. Another man, Cequon Warren Brower, was arrested and charged with affray in connection with the incident. Police confirmed that neither Spinks nor Brower was a student at the university.

A second shooting was reported at around 10:22 pm, less than an hour after the first incident, near Victory Circle and Cromartie Street on campus. Two people, identified as Najir Pearsall, 21, and Makyiah Ward, 20, were wounded. Pearsall was listed in critical but stable condition, while Ward was reported to be in stable condition. No arrests have been announced in connection with the second shooting.

Police are investigating whether the two incidents were connected. Authorities have also asked the public to share cellphone footage or information that could assist the investigation.

The shootings took place during the university's homecoming weekend, an annual celebration that brings together students, alumni and their families. The university cancelled the remainder of its homecoming activities and announced that classes would remain suspended on Monday, November 9.

University officials said the campus was secure, with no active threat to the community, and additional law enforcement personnel would remain on campus. Counselling and support services have also been made available to students and staff.