1 dead in Winston-Salem State University shooting

Author: the associated press
Published: Updated:
MGN

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) – One student was shot dead and another wounded after gunfire erupted Sunday near dormitories on the Winston-Salem State University campus.

Authorities were searching for a suspected gunman, but police and university spokesman Aaron Singleton would provide no identifying details. The historically black school urged visitors to the campus to stay away, but said student services were operating normally and that classes will be held on regular schedules Monday.

The slaying victim was 19-year-old Anthony White Jr., a second-year student from Charlotte, according to campus and Winston-Salem police.

A second student hit by gunfire received hospital treatment but was released early Sunday, city police said. His name and condition were being withheld.

White was studying information technology and though he was an accomplished high school football player, he wanted to focus on his studies rather than try for a spot on the college’s team, his mother said.

“He went academically because he wanted to do sciences, and the football schedule wouldn’t allow him” to do both, said Xavier Martin of Charlotte.

White worked during holiday and summer breaks from college with his uncle’s landscaping business or doing handyman jobs, she said.

Martin said she didn’t know whether her son’s plans Saturday evening included festivities related to the school’s homecoming weekend or a Halloween party.

“I don’t know anything” about how he spent his final hours, she said.

The shooting was reported around 1:20 a.m. Sunday at a parking lot near two dormitories. The campus was locked down for more than three hours before warnings against going outdoors were lifted at 4:50 a.m.

Winston-Salem State was founded in 1892 and touts itself as being one of the first historically black colleges to grant elementary education teaching degrees in 1925. The school, part of the public University of North Carolina system, is known for strengths in education and health sciences instruction.

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