The mother of a North Carolina boy who lost his life earlier this week vows to get justice against the man who allegedly shot him in the head at point-blank range.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, the U.S. Marshals Service Carolinas Regional Task Force arrested Darius Nathaniel Sessoms, 25, on Monday. He’s been charged with murder in connection with the death of 5-year-old Cannon Hinnant.
According to officials, the shooting happened at around 5:33 p.m. on Sunday, at 100 Archers Road in Wilson. Family members told police that Cannon was outside on his bike, playing with his sisters, ages 8 and 7, when Sessoms walked up to the boy, pointed a gun at his head and pulled the trigger.
First responders rushed Cannon to the Wilson Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
A neighbor said that Sessoms had dinner with Cannon’s father, Austin, the night before the shooting. Sessoms went back to Austin’s home earlier in the day on Sunday.
WRAL reports that Doris Lybrand, a neighbor who witnessed the shooting, saw Sessoms run back toward his house after putting a gun to Cannon’s head.
“My first reaction was he’s playing with the kids,” Lybrand said. “For a second, I thought, ‘That couldn’t happen.’ People don’t run across the street and kill kids.”
Cannon’s mother, Bonny Waddell, posted on Facebook Monday that she vowed to get justice after a piece of her heart was taken from her.
One thing was for sure, he loves his mommy and he knew just how much mommy loved him 😩💔😭
Posted by Bonny Waddell on Monday, August 10, 2020
“I will burn this country down if it’s what it’ll take to see this man burn in hell. I’m ready to flip this county upside down,’ Waddell wrote. “This was not because my baby was riding a bike. Don’t let the social media and news fool you!”
“We will get our justice and I’m taking every damn body down right with him! Please ride the roads, keep your eyes out. My other kids are in danger as threats were made, this scum bag is not far.
Cannon was always telling everyone he loved them. Ask the SOB who took my baby, he knew my child and just how sweet, innocent and loving he was too.”
Sessoms later fled the scene in a 2019 Toyota Corolla, but authorities found him on Monday night, inside a home in Goldsboro.
CBS 17 reports that Cannon’s family members said they knew Sessoms, who lived next door to the child’s family for years.
“We used to play together and I never thought he’d kill someone. A mother now has to lay her son to rest at 5 years old which she should never have to do. He’ll never be forgotten,” cousin Rachel Pipkin told the outlet.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the shooting should contact the Wilson Police Department at 252-399-2323 or contact Crime Stoppers at 252-243-2255.
A motive for the shooting is unknown at this time.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family with burial expenses. Check back for updates.
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[Feature Photo: Cannon Hinnant/GoFundMe; Handout]
