WILSON, N.C. — Wilson police are calling out a social media post attempting to spread rumors about the death of Cannon Hinnant, the 5-year-old was shot at point-blank range by his neighbor, police said.
Officials said the press release-styled Facebook post is attempting to impersonate Wilson Police Department's official social media account, according to CBS affiliate WNCN. The fraudulent post said the version of events leading up to Cannon’s death was not backed by evidence, claiming Cannon was not shot in the head in his front yard.
Wilson police have responded to the fraudulent Facebook post, warning any posts making such claims "were NOT issued by our department," WPD said.
“Before you share a post you can check our page to see if that post is shown. If it’s not here, it’s not from us,” the department said.
The department provided examples of fake posts from their official account.
On Aug. 9, Cannon's uncle said he was outside with his siblings, playing on his bicycle when he was shot and killed by Darius Sessoms. Cannon's father, Austin Hinnant, said he saw Sessoms in his yard next door, gun in hand, according to WNCN.
Sessoms, who was found at a home in Goldsboro following a day-long manhunt, is now booked on a murder charge with no bond, WNCN reported.
The victim's family told WNCN they've known the suspect for some time and they never thought he would kill anyone. Hinnant said he had invited Sessoms over for dinner the evening before the incident happened.
“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,” said Rachel Pipkin, a cousin of Cannon’s mother.