Crime
Victims Identified in Mamou Mardi Gras Concert Shootings
Authorities have identified the two teenage victims who tragically lost their lives in the recent Mamou Mardi Gras concert shootings, which left two dead and 14 others injured.
Family and friends are mourning the loss of Bryson Green and Alaya Christian, both of whom were struck by gunfire during the violent incidents.
Bryson Green, affectionately known as “BREAL” by his loved ones, is remembered as a protective and lighthearted young man.
“He loved to chill and laugh,” said his parents, Trina and David Green. “Even though he was the youngest of his siblings, he always made sure his sisters were safe and protected wherever they went.” Green leaves behind his parents and five siblings, all of whom are devastated by his loss.
The second victim, Alaya Christian, was an honor student at Lafayette Renaissance Charter High School.
In addition to excelling academically, she was an active member of the school’s softball team and student council.
School leaders expressed their grief over her passing, saying she will be “deeply missed” by the entire school community.
The shootings took place during Mardi Gras celebrations in Mamou, where large crowds had gathered for a concert.
Witnesses described a sudden eruption of gunfire from a fully automatic weapon, triggering mass panic as hundreds of people ran for their lives.
Mamou Police Chief Pat Hall described the aftermath as officers arrived at the scene:
“When we got to the area, we saw several people injured. Two individuals succumbed to their injuries, two are in critical condition at Lafayette General, and the rest are being treated for various gunshot wounds.”
Authorities are still working to determine the motive behind the shootings and whether the two incidents are connected.
This tragedy follows another shooting on Monday, which left three people wounded during the same Mardi Gras celebrations.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate and urge anyone with information to contact the Mamou Police Department or Evangeline Parish Crime Stoppers.
Crime
19-Year-Old Peyton Patterson Killed in WSSU Homecoming Shooting; Ziyaire Spinks Charged With Murder
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — A 19-year-old man was killed and a 22-year-old woman was injured in a shooting on the Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) campus during homecoming weekend, according to the Winston-Salem Police Department.
The fatal shooting occurred Saturday night, November 7, 2026, in the 600 block of South Martin Luther King Jr. Drive on the university campus.
Police said officers responded at approximately 9:46 p.m. after receiving reports of gunfire. Officers who were already in the area reportedly heard the shots and immediately moved toward the scene.
Upon arrival, officers found Peyton Izaia Patterson, 19, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Officers began performing lifesaving measures before emergency medical services personnel arrived and continued treatment. Despite those efforts, Patterson succumbed to his injuries.
His next of kin has been notified.
A second victim, identified as Alyssa Janae Ellerbee, 22, was also found suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. She was transported to a local hospital, where she received treatment and was later released.
As the investigation progressed, authorities identified Ziyaire Antonyo Spinks, 20, as a suspect. He was charged with:
- General Murder
- Assault With a Deadly Weapon With Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury (ADWIKISI)
- Felony Possession of a Firearm on Educational Property
Police said Spinks was being held without bond at the time of the announcement.
A second man was also reported to be in custody. However, authorities have not publicly released his name or provided details about any charges against him.
The police department said it would not release a photograph of Spinks because the investigation remains ongoing.
The Winston-Salem Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division has taken over the investigation and continues to examine the circumstances surrounding Patterson’s death and the shooting.
Detectives have determined that the incident was isolated, according to police. Authorities have not released additional information about what led to the gunfire or the circumstances immediately preceding the shooting.
Police said further confirmed information would be released as it becomes available.
The investigation remains active.