Justice for Cannon Hinnant Gofundme Page Raises Over Half a Million Dollars | Eastern North Carolina Now

Publisher's note: This post appears here courtesy of the LifeZette, and written by Polizette Staff.

    A GoFundMe page that was set up by Gwen Hinnant, Cannon's grandmother, has raised over $664,000.

    "On Sunday, August 9th, this precious angel was playing outside with his siblings when he was murdered," the description of the "Justice for Cannon" page states. "He was merely doing what he would do any other day and that's playing with his sisters, riding his bike, doing what kids do and all of the innocence that comes with being a child."

    "This family has faced unimaginable pain because of this senseless act of violence," Gwen wrote. "We are asking for your donations to assist with anything that may be needed for expenses related to his services. We offer our sincerest appreciation in this extremely difficult time."

    "There are no words or no amount of money that's going to bring him back," said Lee Parker, Cannon's stepfather. "He just loved everything. Everybody."

    Cannon was reportedly shot dead last Sunday by his neighbor, Darrius Sessoms, after riding his bicycle into his yard. The murder was witnessed by another neighbor as well as by Cannon's two sisters, who are ages seven and eight. Sessoms, 25, has since been arrested and charged with first-degree murder.

    "That's evil," the boy's grandfather, Merrill Race, said. "I never met this guy in my life, but that is one evil dude. He's [in jail] where he should be."

    A candlelight vigil to honor Cannon's life was scheduled to take place on Friday night, but it was postponed to give the family more time to mourn and heal, according to WSOC-TV. Despite the fact that the event was cancelled, dozens of people still showed up at the Wilson County Courthouse for the vigil.

    "I don't know the family, but I want to say to the family that we love you. We're praying for you and we're standing with you," a pastor told WNCN-TV.

    "I've never been to a candlelight vigil before but I just felt compelled to come tonight," one woman said, with another adding, "I have a little grandson almost the same age and it could happen to anyone."