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Cannon Hinnant: #SayHisName trends as Internet seeks justice for 5-year-old boy, over $270K raised of $5K goal

Hinnant was shot dead in Wilson, North Carolina, on August 9, by Darius Sessoms, 25, in front of his two sisters

WILSON, NORTH CAROLINA: The murder of a five-year-old boy, Cannon Hinnant, that occurred in Wilson, North Carolina, on Sunday, August 9, has left many devastated. Hinnant was shot dead by Darius Sessoms, 25, in front of his two sisters.

The accused was arrested almost 24 hours after the shooting took place. Reportedly, Sessoms was Hinnant's neighbor and is said to have held a good relationship with the victim's family. Reports suggest that the killing was not a random act, but the exact reason is yet to be determined.

Distraught Internet users started the trend #SayHisName on Twitter on Thursday, August 13, trying to bring more attention to the case and urge people to make donations towards the GoFundMe page that has been started to raise funds for Hinnant's funeral service. A relative of the victim, Gwen Hinnant, has organized the fundraiser, which has raised over $270,932 when this article was published. The brief on the page reads, "On Sunday, August 9th, this precious angel was playing outside with his siblings when he was murdered. 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. 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. #justice for Cannon," it states further.

Meanwhile, Internet users are using #SayHisName to bring Hinnant the justice he deserves. One tweeted, "I will #SayHisName Cannon Hinnant until there is real fu**ing justice. 5 year old boy shot down by an african-american at point blank while bicycling. May Christ strike down this perpetrator Derius Sessoms, 25, of Meridith, NC with his consequence according to His Gospel."

Another added, "Is there still prison justice for harming children, or no? Asking for Cannon and the Hinnant family."

Many have noted that the above case needs more attention from the media while calling out news agencies for remaining relatively silent about the murder. "People of good will must come together to condemn such wanton murders, regardless of the races of perpetrator and victim, and tell these terrorists "you will not drive us apart so you can advance your terror agenda!" #Remember_Cannon_Hinnant," read a tweet.

The police arrived at the scene around 5.30 pm on Sunday when Hinnant's neighbors called 911 after hearing a shot being fired. Emergency personnel tried reviving him before he was taken to Wilson Medical Center where he was declared dead. Reportedly, the accused, Sessoms tried to flee but was later found by authorities in his home in Goldsboro. He has been charged with first-degree murder. Talking about the tragic death victim's mother, Bonny, said, "He was just a loving kid. He had the biggest heart. It’s devastating. No one should ever have to bury their child. No mother should have to go through this."