GASTONIA, N.C. – A teenage suspect, charged with murder and attempted murder related to a Sunday night shooting, collapsed in a Gaston County courtroom Wednesday upon being told he would not be granted bail.
Sean Simpson faces first-degree murder charges in the death of 16-year-old Zaquavious Dawkins. Simpson also faces an attempted first-degree murder charge.
Prosecutors said Dawkins and the other victim were each walking along South Chester Street when Simpson reportedly opened fire. Dawkins was shot and killed, while the other victim was injured.
In court Wednesday, Dawkins’ family was in attendance, with some overcome with emotion after the proceeding.
Simpson could be seen wiping away tears as he stood before a judge.
Simpson is being charged as an adult under a recent law change that took effect in December 2024, which allows 16 and 17-year-olds to be charged as an adult for certain crimes. This is believed to be one of the first cases locally under the new law.
Simpson’s collapse and emotional reaction came as a judge informed him that he would not be getting out of jail for the crimes of which he is accused.
Simpson has a court date set for Feb. 18, 2025, but that date could be affected if a grand jury indicts him on the charges.
