WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. —
Winston-Salem Police are investigating two separate shootings on the campus of Winston-Salem State University that occurred on Saturday night. The first shooting occurred just after 9:45 p.m. and the second at 10:22 p.m. Below get quick live updates about the shootings.
FIRST SHOOTING ON WSSU CAMPUS
Here’s what we know about the first shooting at this time:
A 19-year-old man died, a 22-year-old woman was injured, and two men are facing charges after a shooting on the campus of Winston-Salem State University, according to Winston-Salem police.
>>>Law enforcement give update Sunday afternoon. Watch news conference here.
Just after 9:45 p.m. Saturday, officers responded to the 600 block of South Martin Luther King Jr. Drive after hearing gunshots in the area.
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 that the shooting was an isolated incident, and Patterson’s next of kin was notified. WSSU officials said Patterson was not a student at the university in a recent update on Facebook.
“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,” WSSU said in the post.
22-year-old Alyssa Ellerbee was also found with a gunshot wound. She was taken to a local hospital, where she was treated and released. Police have not released any information about if Ellerbee is a WSSU student at this time.
Police charged 20-year-old Ziyaire Spinks with general murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury, and felony possession of a firearm on educational property.
18-year-old Cequan Brower was also charged with affray in connection with the incident. Neither of the suspects were WSSU students, according to police.
During a news conference, officers said the victims and suspects were in two separate groups when an argument broke out, leading to the shooting that killed Patterson and injured Ellerbee.
Spinks is being held without bond. Brower is being held on a $50,000 bond. Police said both Spinks and Brower will appear in court on Monday. They also have not released their photos at this time due to the investigation being ongoing.
SECOND SHOOTING ON WSSU CAMPUS
Here’s the latest update on the second shooting at Winston-Salem State University.
Police said the second shooting occurred at 10:22 p.m. at the intersection of Victory Circle and Cromartie Street on the campus of WSSU. Police said as officers were investigating an earlier incident nearby they also heard gunshots in the area.
Police found 21-year-old Najir Pearsall who was taken to the hospital and was listed in critical but stable condition. Officers said they also located Makyiah Ward, 20, who was shot, also taken to the hospital, and was listed in stable condition at this time. Police said they identified a vehicle related to the incident and later located it.
Police said the circumstances around the shooting are still under investigation and no arrests have been made. They also have not said if Pearsall or Ward are students at WSSU at this time.
CLASSES CANCELED MONDAY
Winston-Salem State University canceled Monday classes due to the shootings.
“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,” the university said.
“We thank our university family and the Winston-Salem community for their compassion and support during this difficult time,” officials said.
CALL WITH TIPS
Anyone with information about the shootings should call the Winston-Salem Police Department’s non-emergency number at 336-773-7700.