An HBCU basketball player was among the victims of shootings at Winston-Salem State's homecoming. HBCU Gameday reports that Lady Rams player Makyiah Ward was one of the victims in two shootings during homecoming festivities. However, university officials won't confirm whether the alleged victim is indeed a member of the women's basketball team. HBCU Gameday reports that she is in “good condition and recovering.”
“However, a university spokesperson contacted by HBCU Gameday declined to confirm or deny whether the shooting victim identified by police is the same individual listed on the basketball roster…HBCU Gameday has independently established that the two individuals are the same person,” Steven J. Gaither of HBCU Gameday wrote in his report.
Winston-Salem State’s homecoming weekend ended in tragedy Saturday when a shooting on campus left one person dead, per AP News. After gunshots were heard on the university’s campus around 9:45 p.m., police found 19-year-old Peyton Patterson with a gunshot wound and started lifesaving measures. EMS personnel assisted, but Patterson died from his injuries.
“The Winston-Salem Police Department has confirmed that the individual who lost their life as well as the shooter in this incident are not Winston-Salem State University students. While this provides important clarification, it does not lessen the tragedy or its impact on our university and the broader Winston-Salem community. Our hearts remain with the families and loved ones of those affected,” the institution said in a statement.
Authorities have charged 20-year-old Ziyaire Spinks with murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury, and felony possession of a firearm on educational property. Eighteen-year-old Cequan Brower faces an affray charge in connection with the incident. Police say neither suspect attends Winston-Salem State.