A suspect has been arrested following a deadly shooting that erupted during homecoming weekend at Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina, leaving one person dead and another injured. Winston-Salem police officers stationed on campus for the weekend festivities heard gunfire around 9:45 p.m. on Saturday. Authorities discovered a 19-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound at the scene, where he ultimately died despite life-saving measures.
Investigation and Arrest Details
Following the initial gunfire, a 22-year-old woman with an apparent gunshot wound was transported to a hospital, where she received treatment and was subsequently released. Assistant Chief Jason Swaim stated during a news conference that the ongoing investigation quickly pointed to Ziyaire Spinks, 20. Ziyaire Spinks was taken into custody by authorities and is currently being held without bond.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that the suspect faces multiple serious charges, including:
* Murder
* Assault with a deadly weapon
* Possession of a firearm on educational property
According to police statements, the fatal altercation stemmed from an argument between two separate groups of people. Investigators also confirmed that Ziyaire Spinks is not a student at the university.
Second Campus Shooting Under Investigation
Less than an hour after the first incident, officers responded to a second shooting on the campus after hearing additional gunshots. Assistant Chief Jason Swaim reported that two individuals sustained injuries after gunfire broke out following an altercation. As of Sunday, no arrests have been made in connection to this second incident.
Authorities are actively investigating whether the two campus shootings are connected. Winston-Salem Police Department Chief William Penn, Jr. addressed the community during a news conference, vowing that law enforcement will track down all individuals responsible for the campus violence.
“It’s important that the blame of these tragic events go to the right people and that’s the folks who committed these acts,” William Penn, Jr. stated, urging the public to avoid pointing fingers while the investigation remains active.
University Response and Canceled Events
In the wake of the weekend violence, university officials canceled the remainder of the scheduled homecoming activities for Sunday. Instead, organizers arranged for a local church to lead a community call for prayers. Chancellor Bonita J. Brown issued a formal statement describing the incidents as "senseless violence."
Chancellor Bonita J. Brown reassured students, faculty, and concerned parents that the campus remains secure, noting that an increased law enforcement presence will stay on site while investigations continue. The institution has also made professional counseling services available to anyone in need of support.
“We also recognize the concern and anxiety these events have created among our students, parents, families and broader community,” Bonita J. Brown said. “We take our responsibility for campus safety seriously.”
Forsyth County Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough, Jr. also spoke during the press briefing, emphasizing unity during a difficult time. “Right now, the community is in need of your prayers. The community is in need of us coming together,” Bobby Kimbrough, Jr. remarked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested in the Winston-Salem State shooting?
Authorities arrested 20-year-old Ziyaire Spinks and charged him with murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and possession of a firearm on educational property.
What happened during the Winston-Salem State homecoming weekend?
Two separate shootings occurred on campus on Saturday night, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries, prompting the cancellation of remaining homecoming events.
Are the two campus shootings connected?
Police stated it is currently too early to tell, and authorities are actively investigating whether any connection exists between the two incidents.