Police Arrest 20-Year-Old Suspect After Deadly Shooting at US University Homecoming

Police in North Carolina have arrested a 20-year-old man in connection with a deadly shooting at Winston-Salem State University during its homecoming weekend, which left a 19-year-old student dead and a woman injured.

The suspect, identified as Ziyaire Spinks, is being held without bond after being charged with murder and possession of a firearm on educational property, according to the Winston-Salem Police Department.

The shooting occurred shortly after 9:45 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, when officers responded to reports of gunfire on the university campus.

Police found 19-year-old Peyton Patterson suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite efforts by officers and emergency medical personnel to save him, he died from his injuries.

A 22-year-old woman was also found with a gunshot wound and was taken to a nearby hospital, where she received treatment before being released.

Investigators described the fatal shooting as an isolated incident, although the circumstances surrounding the attack remain under investigation.

The arrest followed reports of two separate shootings on the university campus on Saturday night. Police have yet to release details about the second incident or establish whether the two shootings were connected.

The incidents prompted university authorities to cancel the remaining homecoming activities, while an earlier campus lockdown was lifted after police assured the community that the campus was secure.

Winston-Salem State University Chancellor Bonita J. Brown described the violence as senseless and expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, while wishing those injured a speedy recovery.

She said additional law enforcement officers would remain on campus as investigations continued and confirmed that counselling services had been made available to students and others affected by the incidents.

The shootings cast a shadow over what was expected to be a weekend of celebration, bringing together students, alumni and supporters of the historically Black university.

Authorities have urged anyone with information about the incidents to assist with the ongoing investigation.