16-year-old arrested, charged with killing another teen in Gastonia

GASTONIA, N.C. — Police arrested and charged a 16-year-old Tuesday with the killing of another teen in Gastonia over the weekend.

PAST COVERAGE: Teen killed in Gastonia running errands for his mom

Family members said Zaquavious Dawkins, 16, was running errands for his mother Sunday night when he was shot three times in the back on North Chester Street. The teen suspect also tried to kill Zaquavious Dawkins’ friend, too, police said.

Zaquavious Dawkins was caring for his mother, who lost her leg and has health issues.

The victim’s grandmother found relief after hearing news of the arrest.

“Thanking my God,” said Eveleana Dawkins. “Thanking my god for putting his hands on that child.”

Sean James Curtis Simpson, of Gastonia, was charged with first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder. He was expected to make his first court appearance Wednesday.

The grandmother said she knows Simpson and that he had harassed and threatened her grandson in school before.

Family members said the two teens met at Ashbrook High School where Zaquavious Dawkins, who his family called “Tank,” played on the football team.

Eveleana Dawkins said, as a parent, she was hurt to know that Simpson may lose his youth in jail.

She told Channel 9′s Ken Lemon what she would say to the teen who will be tried for murder as an adult.

“I would probably hug him,” she said. “I would probably put my arms around that baby. I just want to let him know what he done to me. You took a part of my heart.”

Eveleana Dawkins said her feelings for Simpson won’t ever erase what happened.

She said he needs to be tried as an adult and face the consequences.

‘Stop the violence’

Simpson cried in court the day after his arrest when he learned he will be tried as an adult and was given no bond.

“I love you, momma,” he said.

The victim’s mother cried, and her family had to comfort her.

Finland Fair, of 101 Black Men for Highland, was in court. He knows both teens.

“They grew up here at the center,” Fair said. “They grew up here at the center and we have a personal relationship with them.”

Fair worked with them at the Erwin Center in Gastonia.

101 Black Men was established to combat shootings involving youth in the Highland Community.

“Stop the violence. Let it go. Let it go,” Fair said.

They plan to share that message.

“Like conflict resolution, so you can avoid stuff like this man,” Fair said.

Fair said they plan to teach youth etiquette in formal settings and job-interviewing skills.

They are trying to get funding to start free courses in April.

“We will start off with two if that is what it takes and build our way to 200, if we can. But we just want to reach these young men if we can,” he said.

He said the community shouldn’t have to suffer another case like this.

The homicide investigation is ongoing.

Family members said they plan to hold a memorial service for Zaquavious Dawkins next week.

This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

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