Police make arrest in a deadly shooting at Winston-Salem State during
homecoming weekend
[November 09, 2026]
By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN
Authorities on Sunday arrested a man in a shooting during homecoming
weekend at Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina that left
one person dead and at least one other person injured.
Winston-Salem police said officers who were on campus for homecoming
events heard gunshots around 9:45 p.m. Saturday. They found a
19-year-old man with a gunshot wound. They rendered aid but the man died
at the scene.
A 22-year-old woman who had what appeared to be a gunshot wound was
taken to a hospital, where she was treated and later released.
Assistant Chief Jason Swaim said at a news conference the investigation
led to Ziyaire Spinks, 20, who was arrested and being held without bond
on charges of murder, assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a
firearm on educational property.
According to police, the shooting stemmed from an argument between two
groups of people. They confirmed Spinks was not a student at the
university.
A second shooting on campus happened less than an hour later, with
police responding when they heard shots. In that case, Swaim said two
people were injured when gunfire erupted following an altercation.
Authorities said they were investigating to determine if there was any
connection between the two shootings. No arrests have been made in the
second case.
Chief William Penn, Jr. of the Winston-Salem Police Department vowed
during a news conference that authorities will find all of those
responsible for the violence at the school.
“It’s important that the blame of these tragic events go to the right
people and that’s the folks who committed these acts,” he said, asking
people not to point fingers while the investigation is ongoing.
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In this image taken from video, a sign saying no weapons on campus
is displayed at Winston-Salem State University Campus in
Winston-Salem, N.C. on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026. (WXLV-TV via AP)
University officials canceled the remainder of homecoming activities
Sunday, saying instead that a local church planned to lead a call
for prayers in support of the community.
On social media, community members were sharing their condolences
and asking for prayers.
Chancellor Bonita J. Brown called the shootings “senseless
violence.” In a statement, she assured students, faculty and parents
that the campus was secure and that additional law enforcement would
remain while the investigation continues.
The school offered counseling for anyone in need.
“We also recognize the concern and anxiety these events have created
among our students, parents, families and broader community,” Brown
said. “We take our responsibility for campus safety seriously."
Forsyth County Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough, Jr. echoed the sentiments of
the chancellor and other law enforcement officials during the news
conference.
“Right now, the community is in need of your prayers. The community
is in need of us coming together,” Kimbrough said.
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Montoya Bryan reported from Albuquerque, New Mexico.
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