Crime
36-year-old Richard Gollwitzer killed in Orchard Street shooting
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Police Department has identified the man who was found dead on May 8 in a wooded area along Orchard Street.
The victim has been confirmed as 36-year-old Richard Gollwitzer of Ogden, New York.
Officers responded to the scene at approximately 9:45 p.m. Thursday night following reports of a possible assault and an injured individual in the area.
Upon arrival, officers located Gollwitzer on the north side of a building in a wooded area, where he was pronounced deceased.
According to police, Gollwitzer had sustained at least one gunshot wound to the upper body.
His death is being investigated as a homicide.
The RPD Major Crimes Unit is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
As of now, no arrests have been announced, and police are urging members of the public to come forward with any information.
Anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity, has video footage, or has information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the following:
- RPD Homicide Unit: (585) 428-7157
- Crime Stoppers (anonymous): (585) 423-9300
- Email: MajorCrimes@cityofrochester.gov
- Or call 911 directly
Authorities are continuing to follow leads and urge community cooperation as the investigation progresses.
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.