Crime
Robeson County Deputies Investigate Homicide of 65-Year-Old Ernie Locklear Near Maxton
ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. — Authorities are conducting an active homicide investigation following the death of a 65-year-old man discovered Wednesday in the Maxton area.
According to Robeson County Sheriff Burnis Wilkins, deputies responded to the 2700 block of Morrison Road after receiving reports of an unresponsive individual.
Upon arrival, they located Ernie Locklear of Maxton, who was found unresponsive at the scene.
Locklear was transported to a hospital in neighboring Scotland County, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Sheriff Wilkins confirmed that, based on preliminary findings from an autopsy conducted by the North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office, Locklear’s death has been officially ruled a homicide.
“This is a deeply disturbing and senseless act,” Wilkins said in a statement. “This gentleman was tragically killed while simply minding his own business, working on a farm tractor—a task that should have been routine and safe.”
Investigators believe Locklear was engaged in routine work at the time of the incident. Authorities have not yet released details regarding a potential suspect or motive.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Division, along with its Criminal Investigation Division, is actively working the case and pursuing leads.
Officials are urging anyone with information—no matter how minor it may seem—to come forward. “Your information could be the key to bringing justice, closure to this family, and peace to the community,” Wilkins added.
Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office at 910-671-3100.
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.