Crime
25-year-old Zekhiry Hooks killed in Montgomery shooting
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A homicide investigation is underway after a 25-year-old man was fatally shot Monday evening in Montgomery.
Authorities identified the victim as Zekhiry Hooks.
Police officers were dispatched at approximately 6:20 p.m. to the 100 block of Courtland Drive following reports of gunfire.
Upon arrival, officers discovered Hooks suffering from a gunshot wound.
He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Montgomery Police Department spokesperson Lt. Tina McGriff stated that the circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation.
No additional details regarding suspects or potential motive have been released.
This incident marks the city’s 56th homicide of the year.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to contact investigators.
- Montgomery Police Department: 334-625-2831
- Crime Stoppers (Anonymous): 334-215-STOP
The investigation remains active, and additional updates will be released as they become available.
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.