Shooting Incidents Under Investigation at Winston-Salem State University

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Authorities in Winston-Salem are actively investigating two separate shooting incidents that occurred on the campus of Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) on Saturday night. The first incident took place shortly after 9:45 p.m., followed by a second shooting at 10:22 p.m.

Details of the First Shooting

The initial shooting resulted in a tragic outcome: a 19-year-old man, identified as Peyton Patterson, lost his life, and a 22-year-old woman named Alyssa Ellerbee sustained injuries. Following the incident, Winston-Salem Police apprehended two suspects.

Police responded to reports of gunfire in the 600 block of South Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, where they discovered Patterson with a gunshot wound. Despite efforts from law enforcement and emergency medical services, he was pronounced dead at the scene. According to WSSU officials, Patterson was not enrolled at the university.

While offering his condolences, a university spokesperson stated, “This provides important clarification, but 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.”

Injured during the shooting, Ellerbee was transported to a local hospital for treatment and has since been released. Police reported that both suspects involved, 20-year-old Ziyaire Spinks and 18-year-old Cequan Brower, are not WSSU students. Spinks is charged with murder among other offenses, while Brower faces charges related to affray.

During a press conference, law enforcement indicated that the victims and suspects were engaged in separate groups when a confrontation escalated into violence.

Subsequent Shooting Incident

The second shooting occurred 37 minutes after the first, near the intersection of Victory Circle and Cromartie Street. Officers investigating the earlier incident again heard gunshots and found two individuals, identified as 21-year-old Najir Pearsall and 20-year-old Makyiah Ward, both in need of medical attention.

Pearsall is listed in critical but stable condition, while Ward is in stable condition following their hospitalization. As of now, authorities have not made any arrests in connection to this second shooting and have not confirmed the students’ statuses at WSSU.

Impact on Campus and Community

In light of the violent events, WSSU officials have decided to cancel classes on Monday, November 9, allowing students to process these distressing incidents and access support services. Classes are set to resume on Tuesday, November 10, at 8 a.m.

A university official reflected on the situation, expressing gratitude for the compassion shown by the campus and the broader Winston-Salem community during this difficult time.

Request for Information

The Winston-Salem Police Department encourages anyone with relevant information regarding these incidents to reach out. Individuals can contact the department’s non-emergency number at 336-773-7700.