A life lost at Winston-Salem State
A 19-year-old man is dead following a shooting on the campus of Winston-Salem State University during homecoming weekend, according to mynbc5.com.
Peyton Patterson died from gunshot wounds sustained Saturday night, mynbc5.com reported. Officers responded to the 600 block of South Martin Luther King Jr. Drive just after 9:45 p.m. after hearing gunshots in the area.
Police found Patterson at the scene and attempted lifesaving measures. Despite aid from EMS personnel, he did not survive his injuries. The circumstances surrounding Patterson’s death remain under investigation, mynbc5.com reported.
A 22-year-old woman was also injured in the violence. She was treated at a local hospital and has since been released, according to mynbc5.com.
Ziyaire Spinks faces murder charges
Authorities have arrested 20-year-old Ziyaire Spinks in connection with the incident. The Independent reported that Spinks faces charges of general murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury, and felony possession of a firearm on educational property.
Assistant Police Chief Jason Swaim of the Winston-Salem Police Department stated that Spinks is being held without bond, the Independent reported. Swaim also noted that detectives have determined the shooting was an isolated incident, though the investigation into the specific circumstances continues.
The campus was placed on lockdown following the gunfire. That lockdown has since been lifted, mynbc5.com reported.
Unanswered questions regarding a second shooting
While one incident has led to an arrest, police have not provided a full picture of the night’s violence. During a Sunday morning press conference, Winston-Salem police indicated that two separate shootings had occurred on the campus on Saturday night, the Independent reported.
Impact on the university community
The violence forced an immediate change to the university’s scheduled celebrations. University officials canceled the remaining homecoming activities, the Independent reported.
In place of the festivities, a local church planned to lead a call for prayers to support the community. Chancellor Bonita J. Brown addressed the tragedy in a statement Sunday morning, calling the shootings “senseless violence,” according to the Independent.
“We also recognize the concern and anxiety these events have created among our students, parents, families and broader community,” Brown said, according to the Independent.
The Chancellor assured students, faculty, and parents that the campus is secure. She added that additional law enforcement would remain on-site while the investigation proceeds. The university is also offering counseling services to those affected by the events, the Independent reported.
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