He was riding his bike in his own front yard with his sisters when a neighbor he knew walked outside and shot him.
The Shooting
On the afternoon of Sunday, August 9, 2020, in Wilson, North Carolina, 5-year-old Cannon Hinnant was riding his bike with his older sisters, ages 7 and 8, when he crossed briefly into a neighbor's yard. According to witnesses, 25-year-old Darius Sessoms, who had eaten dinner at the Hinnant home two days earlier and visited with Cannon's father that same afternoon, came outside and shot Cannon in the head. His sisters witnessed the shooting. A neighbor who saw the incident said Sessoms fired the shot and then ran back into his own house.
The Response
Wilson County EMS and police responded and attempted to save Cannon, who was taken to Wilson Medical Center, where he died from the gunshot wound. Police said the shooting did not appear to be random, though no public details about a specific motive have been released.
Arrest and Charges
Sessoms fled the scene and was arrested the following day in nearby Goldsboro, North Carolina. He was charged with first-degree murder and held without bond. Court records show he had a prior criminal history, including felony drug convictions and parole violations. His girlfriend was separately arrested and charged with accessory after the fact in September 2020. A grand jury formally indicted Sessoms in December 2020, and as of the available information, his case was proceeding toward trial — the current status should be verified before publishing.
The Family's Response
Cannon's mother, Bonny Parker, said publicly that she hoped Sessoms would receive the death penalty.
FAQ
Who shot Cannon Hinnant?
Darius Sessoms, a neighbor who was known to the family, was charged with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting.
How old was Cannon Hinnant?
He was 5 years old.
Was a motive ever released?
No public details about a specific motive have been released, though police said the shooting did not appear random.