Crime
Katherine Williams Killed in Sabattus Shooting, Remembered as Beloved RSU 4 School District Employee
The Maine State Police (MSP) is conducting an investigation into a fatal shooting spree that occurred on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in the town of Sabattus.
The incident began at approximately 4:14 p.m. in the 800 block of Middle Road (Route 9) and resulted in four people shot, three of whom were killed, including the suspect.
According to investigators, 29-year-old James Davis III, a resident of Sabattus, was a passenger in a vehicle driven by his mother, 47-year-old Christine Smith, also of Sabattus.
While traveling on King Road, approaching the intersection with Middle Road (Route 9), Davis shot his mother inside the moving vehicle.
Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. Following the initial shooting, the vehicle crossed Middle Road and came to a stop.
Davis then exited the car and began firing at passing vehicles.
One of the victims, 53-year-old Katherine Williams of Sabattus, was driving on Middle Road when she was struck by gunfire.
She was transported to Central Maine Medical Center, where she was later pronounced deceased.
Two additional drivers, identified as 19-year-old Tyson Turner of Jay and 35-year-old David Wilson of Hartford, were each traveling in separate vehicles and were struck by gunfire.
Both men were transported to Central Maine Medical Center and are expected to survive their injuries.
Following the shootings, Davis turned the weapon on himself and died by suicide at the scene.
All three deceased individualsโChristine Smith, Katherine Williams, and James Davis IIIโwere transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta, where autopsies will be conducted to confirm the causes of death.
Detectives and Evidence Response Technicians from the Major Crimes Unit โ South remained at the scene throughout the night, collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses.
The Lisbon Police Department, Sabattus Police Department, and the Androscoggin County Sheriffโs Office provided assistance on scene.
The incident remains under active investigation, and additional details will be released as they become available.
Authorities have not yet determined a motive for the shootings.
Crime
19-Year-Old Peyton Patterson Killed in WSSU Homecoming Shooting; Ziyaire Spinks Charged With Murder
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. โ 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.