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.
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.
