Crime
Man Arrested After Child Fatally Shoots Sibling with Unsecured Firearm in Kannapolis
Burris was taken into custody and transported to the Cabarrus County Magistrate’s Office, where he was issued a $25,000 bond.
KANNAPOLIS, NC – A man has been arrested following a tragic incident in which an unsecured firearm led to the accidental shooting death of a seven-year-old girl Willow Rose.
According to a press release from the City of Kannapolis, officers responded to a residence in the 400 block of Cabarrus Arms Drive at approximately 7:30 a.m.
Upon arrival, they discovered that a young girl had been fatally shot by her sibling.
Despite immediate emergency response efforts, the child was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Following an investigation, police determined that 33-year-old Timothy Wayne Burris, identified as the boyfriend of the child’s mother, had left the firearm unsecured within the home.
After consulting with the Cabarrus County District Attorney’s Office, Burris was arrested and charged with:
- Felony child abuse inflicting serious injury
- Storing a firearm in a manner accessible to a minor
- Contributing to the delinquency of a minor
Burris was taken into custody and transported to the Cabarrus County Magistrate’s Office, where he was issued a $25,000 bond.
His first court appearance is scheduled for January 24.
The incident remains under investigation as authorities continue to gather further details. Police urge all firearm owners to practice responsible storage to prevent such tragedies.
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.