Crime
17-year-old Reginald Pope shot and killed in Birmingham Gate City
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Birmingham Police Department is conducting an investigation into an unclassified death that occurred Wednesday morning in the Gate City housing community.
At approximately 8:30 a.m. on July 25, officers from the East Precinct responded to the 7500 block of 67th Court Way South following reports of a person shot.
Upon arrival, officers discovered 17-year-old Reginald Pope unresponsive, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Birmingham Fire and Rescue personnel responded to the scene and pronounced the teenager deceased.
A preliminary investigation suggests that several individuals may have been present inside the residence at the time of the shooting.
Authorities confirmed that a witness or person of interest was transported to Birmingham Police Headquarters for questioning.
At this time, the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation, and the case has not yet been officially classified as a homicide.
The Birmingham Police Department is urging anyone with information to come forward.
Individuals can contact the BPD Homicide Unit at 205-254-1764 or submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through the Birmingham Police Department’s mobile app.
Investigators continue working to determine the events that led to the fatal shooting of Reginald Pope.
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.