Crime
13-Year-Old Charged with Murder Following Deadly Shooting During Ferguson Track Meet at STEAM Academy at McCluer South-Berkeley
FERGUSON, Mo. — A 13-year-old boy has been charged in connection with a shooting that left one teenager dead and another injured during a school track meet at STEAM Academy at McCluer South-Berkeley, authorities announced.
According to court officials, the juvenile suspect faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder, first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and two counts of armed criminal action.
Due to his age, the suspect’s identity has not been released.
His name will remain confidential unless a juvenile court judge certifies the case for transfer to adult court—a process that can take several months.
A detention hearing is scheduled later this week to determine whether the suspect will remain in juvenile custody.
The presiding judge may elect to close the hearing to the public in accordance with juvenile court procedures.
The shooting occurred Tuesday evening in the parking lot of the school as attendees were leaving a track meet that began earlier in the day around 4:00 p.m. The event included participation from approximately 20 schools.
Officers with the Ferguson Police Department responded to reports of gunfire and discovered multiple victims at the scene.
Two teenage boys had been struck by gunfire and were transported to St. Louis Children’s Hospital, where both underwent emergency surgery.
Authorities confirmed that one victim, a 14-year-old, later died from his injuries.
The second victim, whose age has not been publicly disclosed, remains hospitalized but is expected to recover.
Police took the 13-year-old suspect into custody shortly after the incident. Officials stated that the situation was quickly contained and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The Ferguson-Florissant School District confirmed that none of its students were involved in the shooting.
In a statement, district officials expressed concern over the proximity of the incident to school grounds and emphasized their commitment to safety:
“We understand that situations like this can feel unsettling, and we are saddened to have something happen so close to our schools. We are grateful to our local law enforcement partners for their quick action. The safety of our students and staff will continue to be our top priority.”
Investigators have not yet determined a motive for the shooting.
Authorities indicated that they are reviewing social media activity as part of their efforts to better understand the circumstances leading up to the incident.
The investigation remains active, and officials have not released additional details at this time.
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.