Crime
Five-Year-Old Carson Lawson Fatally Struck by Grandmother Allegedly Driving Under the Influence in Slidell
SLIDELL, La. — A tragic accident in Slidell has left a family and community devastated after a 5-year-old boy was fatally struck by a vehicle driven by his grandmother early Tuesday morning.
The child, identified as Carson Lawson, was standing in his driveway around 7:00 a.m. waiting for his school bus when he was struck by a 2016 GMC Yukon that was backing out of the driveway in the 300 block of Spartan Loop in the Spartan Trace subdivision.
According to the Slidell Police Department, the driver — 55-year-old Kristen Anders of Slidell — showed visible signs of impairment and was later determined to be under the influence of alcohol and central nervous system depressants at the time of the crash.
Anders was taken into custody at the scene and has been charged with vehicular homicide.
Slidell Police Chief Daniel Seuzeneau described the incident as profoundly heartbreaking.
“This is any parent’s worst nightmare,” Chief Seuzeneau said. “I was at the scene myself, as were many of our officers, and this has affected all of us deeply — especially the first responders who witnessed the tragedy.”
Chief Seuzeneau stated that he spoke directly with Carson’s mother multiple times throughout the day to offer support and condolences.
“There isn’t anything I can say to make this situation better,” he continued. “All we can do now is pray for peace and healing for this family. Go home and hug your children or grandchildren a little tighter tonight. Life is precious, and tragedy can strike without warning.”
Family members have since shared emotional messages online honoring Carson’s memory.
Loved ones describe him as a joyful, kindhearted child who was excited about school and deeply loved by his family.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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.