Crime
48-year-old Christopher Keith killed in Sylacauga shooting
SYLACAUGA, Ala. — The Sylacauga Police Department is actively investigating a Sunday night shooting that left one man dead and another injured in what authorities describe as a violent incident involving multiple gunshots.
According to Lt. Willis Whatley, officers responded to the area of East 5th Street near North Louisville Avenue on May 11, 2025, after receiving reports of numerous shots fired.
Upon arrival, officers discovered multiple shell casings scattered in the roadway, confirming that gunfire had occurred.
While processing the initial scene, Central Dispatch notified officers of two individuals reportedly suffering from gunshot wounds nearby on Curran Street.
Responding officers quickly located a vehicle containing both victims.
They immediately rendered aid with assistance from the Talladega County Sheriff’s Office until Sylacauga Ambulance Service arrived.
The victims were transported to Coosa Valley Medical Center for emergency care.
One individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was stabilized, while the second victim, later identified as Christopher Cornell Keith, 48, of Childersburg, was transferred to UAB Medical Center in Birmingham in critical condition. Sadly, Keith succumbed to his injuries on Monday, May 12, 2025.
The Sylacauga Police Department and the Talladega County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
At this time, no suspect information has been released, and investigators are working to determine a motive.
Authorities urge anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to contact the Sylacauga Police Department Investigation Division at 256-391-4390, the SPD tip line at 256-249-4716, or Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 1-833-251-7867. Anonymous tips are welcome and may be eligible for a cash reward.
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.