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A dramatic scene unfolded in a North Carolina courtroom as a 16-year-old murder suspect collapsed in emotional distress upon learning he would be tried as an adult.
Sean Simpson, facing first-degree murder charges for the January shooting of Zaquavious Dawkins, broke down during his court appearance on January 29. The teenager became so distraught that court officers had to support him physically after the judge denied bail and assigned him a capital defender. As he was led from the courtroom, Simpson cried out repeatedly, “I love you, mama! I love you, mama!”
The fatal incident occurred when Dawkins and a friend were walking to Family Dollar to get supplies for Dawkins’ disabled mother. According to reports, a black Tesla drove past them, with Simpson allegedly shouting at them from the back seat. When the vehicle returned, both boys attempted to flee. That’s when Simpson allegedly opened fire from the car, striking Dawkins in the right shoulder and wounding his companion, who survived the attack.
These thugs, terrorists & all around deficits to society cry when facing JUDGEMENT for THEIR💩 life choices but act TOUGH while terrorizing communities. Should also charge his mom (we know no dad around)! Tired of their parenting FAILS creating these thugs.https://t.co/CgUMb9xJfV
— REVELATION (@nunyabizness555) February 24, 2025
Police discovered Dawkins bleeding in a parking lot, where he succumbed to his injuries. Two days after the shooting, authorities apprehended Simpson at the Gaston Adolescent Center, a facility specializing in treating youth with emotional and behavioral challenges, where he had been receiving care.
Denise Wilson, Dawkins’ aunt, revealed in court that while the two teens had previous conflicts, they thought the issues had been resolved. She described her nephew as a “sweet” and “kind” individual who “would do anything for anybody,” expressing the family’s devastation over their loss.
“For him to not be here today, we’re all heartbroken,” she said. “We’re heartbroken.”
A 16-year-old breaks down in court upon hearing that he won’t regain his freedom anytime soon following his first-degree murder charge. pic.twitter.com/uZKctvv3RH
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) January 31, 2025
The victim’s grandmother, Eveleana Dawkins, spoke through tears about the widespread impact of her grandson’s death, saying, “It’s affecting everybody. Even the neighborhood he lives in.”
Simpson’s case marks one of the first applications of a new state law implemented on December 1, allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to be prosecuted as adults for serious felonies, including murder. He now awaits possible grand jury indictment.
“(You’re) out here doing big boy things, and this is what’s going to happen,” Wilson said. “You got to suffer the consequences.”
