Teen murder suspect breaks down in court, sobs “I love you, mama.”

GASTON CO., N.C. – For the first time, the family of 16-year-old Zaquavious Dawkins came face-to-face with the teen charged with his murder. Dawkins’ grandmother Eveleana Dawkins says, “(It’s) affecting everybody. Even the neighborhood he lives in.”

Police charged 16-year-old Sean Simpson with first-degree murder after they say he shot and killed Dawkins on Sunday. Dawkins was walking to a store on North Chester Street to pick up items for his disabled mother when it happened. Dawkins’ aunt Denise Wilson says, “He was sweet. He was kind. He would do anything for anybody. I mean, all you have to do is just say, ‘Tank, will you go do this? Yes, ma’am. Yes, sir.'”

Family members say the two got into an altercation last year that they thought had been resolved. Wilson says, “For him to not be here today, we’re all heartbroken. We’re heartbroken.

During his hearing on Wednesday, Simpson became emotional while the judge read his charges and appointed him a capital defender.

“I love you, mama. I love you, mama,” Simpson sobbed in court.

Dawkins’ family says this is a painful reminder of the lasting impact youth violence has on a community. Wilson says, “(You’re) out here doing doing big boy things, and this is what’s going to happen. You got to suffer the consequences.”

Simpson will be tried as an adult and is being held without bail. He is due back in court on February 18.