19-Year-Old Killed in WSSU Shooting; Two Charged as University Cancels Classes

POLICY WIRE — Winston-Salem, U.S. — The campus of Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) was thrown into chaos late Saturday night following two separate shootings that left one person dead and several others injured. Authorities are now investigating the incidents, with the first reported occurrence taking place shortly after 9:45 p.m.

The tragedy claimed the life of 19-year-old Peyton Patterson, who was found with a gunshot wound in the 600 block of South Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Despite immediate attempts at lifesaving measures by police and EMS personnel, Patterson succumbed to his injuries.

Police later confirmed that Patterson was not enrolled as a university student at the time of his death. WSSU officials addressed this clarification on Facebook, noting that the distinction does not diminish the tragedy’s impact on the broader community.

While this provides important clarification, it does not lessen the tragedy or its impact on our university and the broader Winston-Salem community, the university stated in a public post. Our hearts remain with the families and loved ones of those affected.

In the same initial incident, 22-year-old Alyssa Ellerbee was also found with a gunshot wound. She was transported to a local hospital where she received treatment and was subsequently released. Police have not yet disclosed whether Ellerbee is a current student.

Law enforcement officers have charged two men in connection with the first shooting. 20-year-old Ziyaire 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.

Additionally, 18-year-old Cequan Brower was charged with affray. Police confirmed that neither suspect is a student at Winston-Salem State University. According to officers, the victims and suspects were in separate groups when an argument escalated into the gunfire.

Spinks is being held without bond, while Brower is being held on a $50,000 bond. Both men are scheduled to appear in court on Monday. Police have withheld their photos pending the ongoing investigation.

A second shooting occurred earlier at 10:22 p.m. at the intersection of Victory Circle and Cromartie Street on the WSSU campus. Officers investigating the first incident heard additional gunshots in the area.

In that second event, 21-year-old Najir Pearsall was transported to the hospital in critical but stable condition. Makyiah Ward, 20, was also shot and is listed in stable condition. Police located a vehicle linked to the incident but have not made any arrests.

The university has canceled all classes for Monday, November 9, to allow students time to process the events and access support services. “Classes will resume Tuesday, November 10, at 8 a.m. Campus operations and administrative offices will remain open Monday,” officials stated.

The university expressed gratitude for the compassion and support shown during this difficult period. The Winston-Salem Police Department encourages anyone with information to contact their non-emergency line at 336-773-7700.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)