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.
Crime
Two Brothers and Their Sister Found Dead Inside Mount Holly Home After Postal Worker Discovers 911 Note
MOUNT HOLLY, N.J. — Law enforcement officials are investigating the deaths of three individuals after a postal worker made a disturbing discovery at a Mount Holly residence on Friday, November 6.
Emergency responders were dispatched to a home on Winding Way after a mail carrier noticed a heavily taped, handwritten message on the front door instructing anyone who saw it to call 911.
The note reportedly contained drawings of two unhappy faces with crosses over their eyes alongside the text “9-1-1 Inside.”
Upon entering the residence, responding Mount Holly Police officers discovered three deceased individuals inside the home.
Preliminary reports indicate that officers encountered a significant amount of blood within the property, though official investigators have not yet publicly detailed the exact scene conditions.
While law enforcement has not formally released the victims’ names pending official identification and next-of-kin notifications, neighbors identified the deceased as three siblings in their 60s who had resided in the neighborhood for many years: Roslyn (or Rosalind) Monk, Randy Monk, and William “Will” Monk.
Community members described the residents as quiet and friendly, expressing shock over the sudden tragedy in their neighborhood.
The Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, in coordination with the Mount Holly Township Police Department, has launched a full investigation into the incident.
Autopsies are currently underway by medical examiners to determine the exact cause and manner of death for all three individuals.
Officials have not yet confirmed whether foul play or a homicide is suspected, and no information regarding potential suspects has been released.
Our deepest thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to the family, loved ones, and Mount Holly community affected by this devastating loss.