Crime
22-year-old Micah Ledbetter killed in Cape Girardeau shooting
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — Authorities are investigating a deadly shooting that occurred Friday afternoon, May 9, in the vicinity of Whitener and Louisiana Streets.
According to the Cape Girardeau Police Department, two individuals were injured in the incident. One victim arrived at a local hospital by private vehicle, while the other was transported from the scene by ambulance.
The victim transported by ambulance, identified as 22-year-old Micah Ledbetter of Cape Girardeau, succumbed to her injuries while being treated in the emergency room.
A second individual suffered what authorities described as a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the leg and is currently receiving medical treatment at an area hospital.
In response to the incident, the Cape Girardeau/Bollinger County Major Case Squad has been activated to assist in the ongoing investigation.
Police have not released any information regarding a suspect or motive at this time.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to this case to contact the Cape Girardeau Police Department at the following:
- Business Line: 573-339-6621
- Anonymous Tip Line: 573-339-6313
The investigation remains active and further details 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.