Police make arrest in deadly shooting at North Carolina university

Authorities on Sunday arrested a man in a shooting during homecoming weekend at a historically black college in North Carolina that left one person dead and at least one other person injured.

Assistant Police Chief Jason Swaim of the Winston-Salem Police Department said officers responded after hearing gunshots on Saturday night. They found a 19-year-old man with a gunshot wound but life-saving measures were unsuccessful.

Officers also found a 22-year-old woman at the scene who appeared to have a gunshot wound. She was taken to a hospital, where she was treated and later released.

Swaim said Ziyaire Spinks, 20, was being held without bond on charges of murder and possession of a firearm on educational property. He said the circumstances surrounding the shooting were still under investigation but that detectives determined it was an isolated incident.

Police had said during an early morning news conference that two separate shootings took place on campus Saturday night. They have not shared details about the second shooting.

University officials cancelled the remainder of the homecoming activities, saying instead that a local church had planned to lead a call for prayers in support of the community.

Chancellor Bonita J. Brown issued a statement on Sunday morning, calling the shootings “senseless violence”. She assured students, staff and parents that the campus was secure and that additional police would remain while the investigation continues.

The university was offering counselling for anyone in need.

“We also recognise 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 and remain committed to the well-being of everyone who is part of our university community.”