WILSON, N.C. — The mother of a 5-year-old boy, shot and killed in his front yard spoke out Monday.
Bonny Waddell, mother of Cannon Hinnant said she’s heartbroken after her son was shot and killed, according to CBS affiliate WNCN.
WNCN reported the shooting happened over a week ago on Archers Road in Wilson.
The station reported police have since arrested a neighbor, 25-year-old Darrius Sessoms and charged him with murder.
“I don’t understand. I can’t wrap my head around it,” Waddell said.
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Hinnant was shot in the head while riding his bike.
WNCN reported his two young sisters witnessed the shooting.
“He was my neighbor for years. We always spoke when we saw each other. It was, we never, never ever had arguments with each other,” Waddell said about Sessoms.
According to WNCN, Sessoms remains at the Wilson County Detention Center after being captured in Goldsboro.
“Why? Why would you do this to my child?” Waddell asked.
The grieving mother said justice hasn’t been served.
Per WNCN, Waddell said she will ask the district attorney to seek the death penalty.
Meanwhile, her focus is on honoring Cannon’s memory.
“Such a big joy, ball of life. He was a smiley, happy child. He loved playing with his sisters and going outside,” she said.
Waddell said she's grateful for the support she’s received from the community, across the state and country.
The station reports a GoFundMe page in Hinnant's honor has raised nearly $800,000.
WNCN said Waddell stressed race had nothing to do with the deadly shooting.
“This is not a race issue. This was a, I don’t even know what it was. I know it wasn’t race,” she said.
The station reported Waddell would like to see a playground built in Cannon’s name and there’s already a baseball tournament and road race set up in his memory.
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