Arrest Made in Fatal Winston-Salem State University Homecoming Shooting

yellow caution tape stretched across a brick pathway on a traditional American college campus, with a blurred law enforcement vehicle parked in the distance und

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Man Arrested Following Winston-Salem State Homecoming Shooting

Authorities have arrested a suspect after a shooting that took place during homecoming weekend at Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina. The incident, which occurred on Saturday night, resulted in one fatality and left at least one other person injured.

Details of the Incident

Winston-Salem police officers, present on campus for homecoming festivities, responded to gunshots just before 10 p.m. Saturday night. On arrival, they found a 19-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite their efforts to render aid, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. A 22-year-old woman with a suspected gunshot wound was transported to a local hospital and later released after treatment.

Suspect Identified and Arrested

At a news conference, Assistant Chief Jason Swaim announced that the investigation led to the arrest of 20-year-old Ziyaire Spinks. Spinks is being held without bond and faces charges of murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and possession of a firearm on educational property. Police stated that the shooting stemmed from an argument between two groups and confirmed that Spinks is not a student at Winston-Salem State University.

Second Shooting and Ongoing Investigation

Less than an hour after the first shooting, police responded to a second incident of gunfire on campus. Assistant Chief Swaim reported that two people were injured following an altercation. Authorities are investigating whether there is any connection between the two shootings; no arrests have been made in the second case at this time.

During a news conference, Chief William Penn, Jr. of the Winston-Salem Police Department pledged that law enforcement would work diligently to identify and apprehend all those responsible for the violence. He urged the public not to assign blame prematurely, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the investigation.

Community and University Response

In light of the incidents, university officials canceled the remainder of homecoming activities on Sunday. A local church planned a call for prayers to support the affected community. On social media, community members expressed condolences and called for unity and prayer in the aftermath of the shootings.

Chancellor Bonita J. Brown described the shootings as “senseless violence” and assured students, parents, and faculty that the campus was secure. She noted that additional law enforcement personnel would remain present during the investigation and announced that counseling services had been made available for those affected.

Forsyth County Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough, Jr. echoed calls for solidarity at the news conference, emphasizing the community’s need for support and togetherness during this difficult time.

Continued Police Investigation

Winston-Salem police continue to investigate any potential links between the two shootings and remain committed to campus safety. Authorities are asking anyone with information to come forward as they work to resolve the cases and support the university community.