North Carolina 16-year-old breaks down, cries for 'mama,' after being charged as adult for murder under new state law
Share and Follow

A teenager from North Carolina was incredibly emotional when a judge informed him that he would be facing adult charges for a murder offense. The young teen was visibly shaken, bursting into tears and expressing disbelief at the news. Court officers had to support him as he reacted to the judge’s decision.

Sean Simpson, 16, was charged with first-degree murder last month for allegedly shooting Zaquavious Dawkins, also 16, on Jan. 26 in Gastonia — located about 20 miles outside of Charlotte, WCCB reported.

The alleged killer was seen sobbing and unable to stand on his own as a judge appointed him a capital defender, denied him bail, and told him he would be charged as an adult.

“I love you, mama! I love you, mama,” Simpson wailed out as he was escorted out of the courtroom on Jan. 29.

He allegedly gunned down Dawkins as he was walking with a friend to pick up items for his disabled mother at a Family Dollar when a black Tesla drove past them, and a boy — identified as Simpson — yelled at them from the back passenger seat, the Gaston Gazette reported.

The Tesla returned and headed toward the boys, prompting them to run away.

Simpson then allegedly started to shoot at them from the back of the car as they fled — hitting Dawkins in the right shoulder.

The teen was found by police covered in blood in a parking lot and died from his injuries. His friend was also injured in the shooting but survived.

Simpson was arrested two days later by the Gastonia Police Department at the Gaston Adolescent Center — a facility for children with emotional and behavioral difficulties.

The killer teen had been receiving treatment at the center when he was arrested.

Dawkins’ aunt, Denise Wilson, who was in court when Simpson was charged, told WCCB that her nephew and Simpson had problems with each other last year, but they believed the two settled the issue.

Wilson, who shared that Dawkins was a “sweet” and “kind” boy who “would do anything for anybody,” said the family is left in shambles over his death.

“For him to not be here today, we’re all heartbroken,” she said. “We’re heartbroken.”

Dawkins’ grandmother, Eveleana Dawkins, said that her grandson’s death has affected more than just his family.

“It’s affecting everybody. Even the neighborhood he lives in,” Eveleana said while fighting back tears.

Simpson is believed to be one of the first teenagers to be charged under a new state law enacted on Dec. 1 that can charge 16 and 17-year-olds as adults if they are accused of committing a class A through E felonies, including murder.

He now faces a potential grand jury indictment for Dawkins’ murder. 

“(You’re) out here doing big boy things, and this is what’s going to happen,” Wilson said.

“You got to suffer the consequences.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Mom's desperate attempt to stop go-kart before it killed little girl

Heroic Mother Saves Child in Heart-Pounding Go-Kart Rescue: A Fight Against Time

A heartbreaking incident in Florida has left a family in mourning after…
'Terrifying' era of new warfare forces US Army to change tactics

US Army Adapts Strategies for a New Era of Advanced Warfare

The emergence of drone warfare has prompted the United States military to…
Trump, Clinton seen in new batch of Epstein photos released by Democrats

Newly Released Epstein Photos Feature Trump and Clinton: Key Insights from Democratic Disclosure

California Representative Robert Garcia, the leading Democrat on the Oversight panel, informed…
Police respond to active shooter on Brown University

Brown University Active Shooter Alert: Police Swiftly Respond to On-Campus Threat

Brown University, an esteemed Ivy League institution in Providence, Rhode Island, found…
Chicago weather: Bears fans, players bracing for what could be one of coldest games ever at Soldier Field

Brace for the Chill: Chicago Bears Fans Face Historic Cold at Soldier Field Showdown

CHICAGO (WLS) — Bears supporters are gearing up for what might be…
Palmdale Street shooting on Jacksonville's Northwest side leaves man dead

Teenager Killed, Two Others Injured in Sandalwood Shooting Following Unsuccessful Drug Deal, Reports JSO

According to Sergeant Highfill of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, several witnesses have…
Suspect steals Bedford Park police squad car, US Postal Service truck, hits mother, 2 children in Bridgeview, officials say

Chicago Man Marlon Miller Detained for Alleged Attacks While Wearing Ankle Monitor: Loop Puncher Case Unfolds

CHICAGO — In a troubling series of events, a man suspected of…
Parkland survivor describes sheltering in dorm at Brown to escape

Parkland Survivor Shares Experience Seeking Safety in Brown University Dorm

A sophomore at Brown University, who previously lived through the Parkland, Florida…