A 19-year-old man was killed and a woman was injured during a shooting on the campus of Winston-Salem State University over homecoming weekend, prompting a police investigation and an arrest.
Winston-Salem police identified the person arrested as 20-year-old Ziyaire Spinks. Authorities said he was not a student at the university and was being held without bond following the arrest.
The deadly shooting happened Saturday night, November 7. Officers responded to gunfire near South Martin Luther King Jr. Drive around 9:45 p.m.
Police identify the victim and announce charges
Police identified the man who died as 19-year-old Peyton Patterson. Officers found him with a gunshot wound and attempted to provide emergency assistance. Emergency medical personnel also responded, but Patterson died from his injuries.
A 22-year-old woman was also found with a gunshot wound. She was taken to a local hospital, treated and later released.
Investigators said the shooting followed an argument between two groups of people. Police have not publicly established every detail surrounding the confrontation.
Spinks faces charges that include murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury, and possession of a firearm on educational property.
The charges are allegations. Spinks is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
A second shooting was reported on campus
Police also reported a separate shooting on the WSSU campus later Saturday night.
That incident left a 21-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman injured. Both were taken to hospitals for treatment. Authorities said the male victim was in critical but stable condition, while the woman was listed in stable condition.
Investigators have not confirmed whether the two shootings were connected. Police reported no arrest in the second incident in their November 8 update.
The arrest announced by police relates to the deadly shooting. The second shooting remains under investigation.
University responds after homecoming violence
The shootings disrupted homecoming weekend at Winston-Salem State University. The university cancelled the remaining homecoming activities and said additional law enforcement would be present on campus.
Counseling support was also made available to students and members of the university community.
Investigation remains ongoing
Although police have announced an arrest in the deadly shooting, investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding both incidents. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact Winston-Salem police at 336-773-7700.
NewsToToday Editorial Note: This report is based on information released by law enforcement and reporting available as of November 9, 2026. Charges are allegations, not proof of guilt.
