Crime
Lincoln University Shooting Suspect Identified as 21-year-old Zecqueous Morgan-Thompson
CHESTER COUNTY, Pa. — What began as a joyous Homecoming weekend at Lincoln University — one of the nation’s first Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) — ended in tragedy when gunfire erupted in a campus parking lot Saturday evening, leaving one person dead and at least six others injured.
Authorities confirmed the fatal shooting occurred outside the International Cultural Center, where a tailgate celebration was taking place following the university’s Homecoming football game.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with tents and tables scattered throughout the lot as attendees fled to safety.
During a Sunday afternoon press briefing, officials identified one of the suspects as 21-year-old Zecqueous Morgan-Thompson, who has been taken into custody and is being held at the Chester County Prison on $25,000 bail.
He faces charges of carrying a firearm without a license, according to court documents.
The deceased victim, a 25-year-old Jujuan Jeffers from Wilmington, Delaware, reportedly suffered a gunshot wound to the head.
His name has not yet been released pending family notification.
Six additional victims, all between the ages of 20 and 25, sustained injuries in the shooting and are expected to survive, officials said.
Investigators do not believe the suspects arrived at the Homecoming event intending to carry out a mass shooting.
Chester County District Attorney officials, along with Lincoln University Police and the FBI and Pennsylvania State Police, are assisting in the ongoing investigation. Detectives are processing the large crime scene, collecting ballistic evidence, reviewing surveillance footage, and interviewing witnesses to determine what led to the violence.
In a statement released Sunday, Lincoln University President announced that classes will be canceled on Monday, October 27, designating the day as one of “healing and reflection.”
University Police Chief Marc Partee spoke emotionally about the tragedy, saying,
“We set this out to be a time to celebrate the legacy of Lincoln University, the first Historically Black HBCU. Devastated — if there was another word to describe that, one more impactful, I would use it. But devastated is a start.”
Authorities are urging anyone with information or video footage related to the shooting to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI as the investigation continues.
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.