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Wingate University student killed in Winston-Salem State homecoming shootings; two charged
Peyton Patterson, a criminal justice major at Wingate University, was killed and three others injured in two separate shootings during Winston-Salem State University's homecoming festivities. Ziyaire Spinks faces a murder charge, and Cequan Brower also faces charges; neither is enrolled at WSSU.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. â A Wingate University student was killed and three other people were injured in two separate shootings during Winston-Salem State University's homecoming festivities, authorities said.
The deceased victim was identified as Peyton Patterson, a criminal justice major at Wingate University. Law enforcement officials charged Ziyaire Spinks with murder in connection with the shootings. Cequan Brower was also charged in connection with the altercation, and officials said additional charges may follow. Authorities confirmed that neither suspect is enrolled at Winston-Salem State University.
Patterson's friends on the Wingate campus remembered him as a constant, welcoming presence. Samarion Harris, a close friend who met Patterson during his first days at the university, said the two lived next door to each other and quickly formed a tight bond.
"He was the first dude I met on campus; he showed me around," Harris said. "He stayed right next door to me, and he came to my door every single day."
Harris said Patterson had planned a career in law and that his friends were stunned by the news.
"We just had a major bond, and it's just crazy. It's shocking that the next day he's gone," Harris said. "He's definitely genuine; he definitely had a future ahead of him. He was going to be a lawyer."
De'Mani Bolton, a Wingate student and football teammate of Patterson, described his positive personality.
"Always made sure everybody was okay, always joyful, always coming here with good vibes," Bolton said.
Harris also spoke out about gun violence after the incident.
"I just think guns are insane. Somebody doesn't need to lose their life over any argument; it doesn't matter at all," Harris said.
Students at Wingate University plan to hold a candlelight vigil on campus this Thursday to honor Patterson.
The shootings occurred during WSSU's homecoming celebrations, a time when the university typically welcomes students, alumni and community members to campus. The violence has shaken both campuses and raised familiar questions about public safety at large public gatherings.
Wingate University is located in Wingate, North Carolina, about 30 miles southeast of Charlotte. Winston-Salem State University is in Winston-Salem, roughly 80 miles north of Wingate.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have said more charges are possible.