Crime
7-year-old Hunter Smith dies after being hit by school bus in Gibbstown
Gibbstown, New Jersey — Hunter Smith, a 7-year-old boy from Gibbstown, has died after being struck by a school bus Friday afternoon, according to local authorities.
The tragic incident occurred at approximately 3:40 p.m. near the intersection of Bennett Street and Aston Drive.
Police said residents in the neighborhood, along with responding officers, immediately rushed to provide emergency medical aid to the child before paramedics transported him to Cooper University Hospital for urgent treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts by medical personnel, Hunter Smith later died from the severe injuries he sustained in the crash.
Authorities were seen examining a school bus at the scene as investigators worked to determine exactly how the incident occurred.
Officials have not yet released additional details regarding the circumstances leading up to the fatal collision.
The investigation into the deadly school bus crash remains ongoing.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Clonmell United Methodist Church announced it would open its doors Saturday morning to provide support, prayer, and counseling resources for grieving community members and families affected by the heartbreaking incident.
The Greenwich Township School District also confirmed that counselors and support staff will be available for students beginning Monday as the community mourns the loss of the young child.
Crime
19-Year-Old Peyton Patterson Killed in WSSU Homecoming Shooting; Ziyaire Spinks Charged With Murder
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. โ 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.