🌱 Arsonist Faces Two Murder Charges + One Injured In Taxi Shooting

Hello, everybody. Michelle Paul here with your Wednesday edition of the Winston-Salem Patch newsletter, filled with all the community news you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Partly sunny and pleasant. High: 81 Low: 58.
• Thursday: Nice with periods of sun. High: 76 Low: 54.

Business owners and marketers in Winston-Salem: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories in Winston-Salem today:

1. Winston-Salem man Russell Edwards Marshall, previously charged with arson in connection to two house fires, is now facing murder charges for the deaths of Jessie Lee Scott and Barbara Tilley Harmon. Marshall, 69, has been indicted on two counts of murder by a Forsyth County grand jury. He has a history of previous arson charges and convictions, as well as other felony offenses. (Subscription: Winston-Salem Journal)
2. The Winston-Salem Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred on Sunday, leaving a woman in critical condition. The victim was riding as a passenger in a taxi on Thurmond Street and was struck by bullets from nearby gunfire. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Winston-Salem Police Department or Crime Stoppers. (CBS 17 News)
3. A football player from Winston-Salem State University has been named the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Male Athlete of the Year. Derek McClean is an offensive lineman at the university and holds a 3.87 GPA while also working towards his second degree in mass communications. (WSSU Rams)

Today and tomorrow in Winston-Salem:

Wednesday, May 17

• Bath & Booze With Piper At Tucker's Tap Yard (5:00 PM)
• Community Game Night At Miller Park Community Center (6:00 PM)

Thursday, May 18

• Amplify: A Local Music Series At 251 N. Spruce St. (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Winston-Salem Theatre Alliance will be hosting auditions Saturday, May 20! The mainstage shows and special event details are available here along with the sign-up sheet. (Winston-Salem Theatre Alliance via Facebook)
• Wish you knew more about cars and how they operate? The Forsyth County Library is hosting Basic Car Care and Maintenance for Teens on Saturday, May 20. Space is limited and registering prior to the date is encouraged. (Forsyth County Public Library, Winston-Salem, NC via Facebook)
• Reminder: All Forsyth County public libraries will be closed in observance of Memorial Day on May 29. Facilities will reopen the following day, May 30, with normal hours. (Forsyth County Public Library, Winston-Salem, NC via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll be back in your inbox soon with another update!

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a Utah-based writer and photographer with a professional background in content management and registered nursing. When not working on projects ranging from photo editing to copywriting, they enjoy traveling, video games, and expanding their skills.