WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — What should have been a weekend of celebration, school pride and community fellowship at Winston-Salem State University ended in tragedy after two separate shootings on the university’s campus left one person dead and three others injured Saturday night, November 7.
The violence unfolded during WSSU’s Homecoming weekend, casting a shadow over one of the university’s most anticipated annual celebrations.
According to the Winston-Salem Police Department, the first shooting occurred around 9:46 p.m. in the 600 block of South Martin Luther King Jr. Drive on campus.
Investigators said two groups became involved in a disturbance that escalated into a physical altercation. During the confrontation, 20-year-old Ziyaire Antonyo Spinks allegedly fired a gun into the group.
Authorities identified the person killed as 19-year-old Peyton Izaia Patterson. Despite lifesaving efforts from responding officers and emergency medical personnel, Patterson died from his injuries.
A 22-year-old woman, identified as Alyssa Janae Ellerbee, was also shot. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment and later released.
Spinks has been charged with murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury, and felony possession of a firearm on educational property. He is being held without bond.
An additional 18-year-old, Cequan Warren Brower, was charged with affray in connection with the initial altercation. Authorities confirmed that neither defendant was a WSSU student.
Second Shooting Injures Two More People
Less than an hour after the initial incident, another shooting was reported on campus.
At approximately 10:22 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of Victory Circle and Cromartie Street, where they located two additional gunshot victims.
Police identified the victims as 21-year-old Najir Pearsall and 20-year-old Makyiah Ward.
Pearsall was transported to a hospital and listed in critical but stable condition. Ward was also hospitalized and listed in stable condition.
Investigators identified and located a vehicle connected to the second shooting. However, police had not announced any arrests in that investigation as of Sunday evening.
Authorities have not established whether the two shootings were connected.
WSSU Cancels Classes Following Violence
In response to the shootings, Winston-Salem State University canceled its remaining Homecoming activities scheduled for Sunday.
The university subsequently announced that classes would also be canceled Monday, November 9, allowing students time to process the traumatic events and access support services.
Classes are scheduled to resume Tuesday, November 10, at 8 a.m. Administrative offices and other campus operations will remain open Monday.
WSSU Chancellor Bonita J. Brown addressed the university community in a message to the Ramily, expressing condolences to Patterson’s family and wishing the injured victims a full recovery.
Brown acknowledged the fear, grief and uncertainty members of the university community may be experiencing.
She also reassured students, parents, alumni and employees that the campus was secure and that there was no active threat, according to Winston-Salem police.
Additional law enforcement personnel remained on campus as authorities continued their investigations.
Supporting the WSSU Community
The university is making counseling and additional support resources available to students, faculty and staff following the violence.
Students can access counseling services by calling 336-750-3270 or through Togetherall. In-person counseling services were also scheduled for Sunday and Monday.
WSSU encouraged members of the campus community to follow law enforcement instructions, remain aware of their surroundings and report safety concerns.
Homecoming is traditionally a time when alumni, students, families and supporters return to celebrate the history and traditions of Winston-Salem State University.
This year’s celebration, however, will be remembered for the lives affected by the violence and the loss of a young life.
Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Peyton Patterson, those recovering from their injuries, and the entire Winston-Salem State University community.
Sneaker Shop Talk will continue to follow this developing story as additional information becomes available.
