Peyton Patterson Died During Winston-Salem State Homecoming Weekend as Man Faces Charges

 The Winston-Salem community is mourning the death of 19-year-old Peyton Patterson, who was fatally shot during Winston-Salem State University’s homecoming weekend on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Police said officers heard gunfire shortly after 9:45 p.m. near the 600 block of South Martin Luther King Jr. Drive on campus, where they found Patterson suffering from a gunshot wound.

Officers attempted lifesaving measures at the scene, but Patterson died from his injuries. A 22-year-old woman, Alyssa Ellerbee, was also shot and taken to a local hospital, where she was treated and later released. The violence unfolded during a weekend centered on celebration, leaving families, friends, and others connected to the campus community confronting a sudden and painful loss. The investigation moved forward as authorities identified those involved. The response brought immediate attention to campus safety.

Authorities arrested 20-year-old Ziyaire Spinks in connection with the shooting. He faces charges including murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury, and felony possession of a firearm on educational property. Spinks is being held without bond. An 18-year-old, Cequan Brower, was separately charged with misdemeanor affray in connection with the altercation. Reports said neither Spinks, Brower, nor Patterson was a Winston-Salem State University student. The charges reflect the allegations. Those charges now move through the courts as expected.

During a court appearance on November 9, prosecutors outlined their account of how the confrontation allegedly began. According to prosecutors, a group of men approached several women and asked for their Instagram handles before an argument and physical altercation followed. Prosecutors allege that Spinks fired the shots that killed Patterson and injured Ellerbee. Those allegations remain accusations and have not been established as guilt in court. Prosecutors’ account provides the basis for charges, but responsibility will be decided. The courtroom account offered a clearer picture.

The circumstances described in court have added another layer to an already difficult investigation. What began as an encounter between groups of people reportedly escalated into physical conflict and then gunfire, leaving one young man dead and another person injured. Authorities are continuing to examine the events leading to the shooting as the criminal case moves through the court system. Investigators must establish the sequence as the case proceeds. The investigation remains focused on how the confrontation escalated.

The campus also experienced another shooting less than an hour later, according to police. Two additional people were injured in that separate incident, further intensifying concern during a weekend already marked by violence. At the time of the reports, police had not announced arrests in connection with the second shooting. Investigators continued working to determine the circumstances surrounding that separate episode. The additional injuries meant several people needed medical attention. Police continued reviewing evidence surrounding the separate shooting.

For Patterson’s family and friends, the loss has transformed what should have been a celebratory homecoming weekend into a period of mourning. A 19-year-old life ended in a moment of violence, while another young person was left recovering from a gunshot wound. The circumstances have also affected people beyond those directly involved, as members of the broader Winston-Salem community grapple with violence occurring during a major university event. Families were left processing the danger during celebration. His death has left a deeply lasting impact on the community.

The investigation and court proceedings remain ongoing, and authorities may provide additional information as the cases develop. For now, Patterson is remembered through the people who knew him and by a community grieving a life lost far too soon. Attention remains on those most affected as officials continue seeking answers and accountability through the proper legal process.