Man Charged With Fatally Shooting 7-Year-Old Boy In Hickory

The Latest (4/23/21):

A 23-year-old Claremont man has been charged with murder in the shooting death of a 7-year-old boy who was fatally struck while riding in a car with his mother Wednesday night.

The suspect, identified as Douglas Mason Wilson, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder for the fatal shooting of Zakylen Harris in Hickory, according to police. Wilson was also charged with possession of marijuana.

Wilson was booked into a local jail Friday morning, according to reports. No bond was set for the murder charge.

Anyone looking to support 7-year-old Harris’ family at this time can donate to his GoFundMe here.

Original Story (4/22/21):

HICKORY, N.C. — A 7-year-old was fatally shot late Wednesday night while riding in a car with his family in Hickory, police said.

According to Hickory Police, officers were dispatched to Tate Boulevard Southeast around 11:15 p.m. after reports of a shooting. When officers arrived, they located 7-year-old who had been shot in the neck.

The child, identified as Zakylen Greylen Harris, was transported to Catawba Valley Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead, police said.

During the time of the incident the boy’s mother was driving the car with two other children, ages 6 and 1.

Investigators are looking  for the suspect’s vehicle which has been described as a small dark colored SUV that was traveling eastbound on Tate Boulevard Southeast. According to police, there may have been multiple occupants and a woman with blonde hair in the front passenger seat.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Hickory Police Department at (828) 328-5551.