GASTONIA, N.C. — Zaquavious Dawkins, 16, was fatally shot near the Ganesha Food Mart on North Chester Street in Gastonia on Sunday night, officials said.
First responders discovered the victim around 6 p.m.
Family members said Dawkins was shot three times while running errands for his mother.
“It’s not right,” said his grandmother, Eveleana Dawkins.
Zaquavious Dawkins was a straight-A student at Ashbrook High School, and he played baseball and football.
Family members said he was a devoted son who cared for his mother who lost her leg and had other medical issues.
“He cooked. He cleaned. He washed,” said his Aunt Patty Dawkins. “He baked cakes, pies, everything.”
They say his mother needed items from the store Sunday, so Zaquavious Dawkins and a friend walked to get them.
His friend said they noticed another student from Ashbrook High School, who had harassed Dawkins in the past, following them.
Family members say that student had a gun in the car and Zaquavious Dawkins, who they often called “Tank,” couldn’t get away.
“They say he was shot from behind and died in the hospital,” his aunt said.
“He meant the world to his family,” his grandmother said.
The family says the person in the car was also just a minor.
Eveleana Dawkins cried for them.
“They are babies,” she said. “They are babies. I don’t want no family to go through this.”
Zaquavious Dawkins’ family said the minor who shot him should be tried as an adult.
There have been no arrests.
Police have announced a reward for any information that leads to an arrest in this case. However, they did not say the amount of the reward.
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