A shooting during Winston-Salem State’s homecoming on Saturday left one person dead, according to a report by AP News. Gunshots were heard on the university’s campus at 9:45 p.m., and police found 19-year-old Peyton Patterson with a gunshot wound and began lifesaving measures. EMS personnel also provided aid, but Patterson died from his injuries.
Detectives have determined the shooting was an isolated incident, and Patterson’s next of kin has been notified. WSSU officials said in an update on Facebook that Patterson was not a student at the university.
“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.
Police 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. Cequan Brower, 18, was also charged with affray in connection with the incident. According to police, neither suspect is a Winston-Salem State student.
Winston-Salem State announced changes to the class schedule following the incident.
“University Operations Update: All classes are canceled Monday, November 9, to provide students time to process these events and access available support. Classes will resume Tuesday, November 10, at 8 a.m. Campus operations and administrative offices will remain open Monday. We continue to support our Ramily and cooperate fully with law enforcement as investigations continue.”