Crime
16-Year-Old Ashbrook High School Student Fatally Shot in Gastonia, Suspect Arrested
The Gastonia Police Department confirmed the tragic death of a 16-year-old student, Zaquavious Dawkins, who was fatally shot on Saturday evening, January 25, 2025.
Dawkins, a student at Ashbrook High School, succumbed to his injuries after being transported to the hospital.
Officers responded to reports of a shooting on North Chester Street/U.S. 321, just south of Interstate 85, around 6 p.m. Saturday.
According to Jose Jamie, owner of Los Arcos, the incident occurred behind his restaurant. Jamie stated that the area was quickly flooded with law enforcement, and emergency responders transported Dawkins to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
On Tuesday morning, Gastonia police confirmed the arrest of 16-year-old Sean James Curtis Simpson in connection with Dawkins’ killing.
Simpson was apprehended in the Cox Road area and has been charged with first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder.
Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances leading up to the shooting. Authorities have not yet disclosed details about the motive or any prior relationship between the victim and the suspect.
Gastonia Police are urging anyone with information regarding this case to come forward. Witnesses or those with relevant details are encouraged to contact the Gastonia Police Department at 704-866-6702. Additionally, anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers. Information leading to an arrest may qualify for a cash reward.
The Gastonia community mourns the loss of a young life and is calling for justice for Zaquavious Dawkins as law enforcement continues its investigation into this tragic incident.
Crime
Two Children Killed, Two Others Critically Injured in Angleton-Area Shooting, Mother in Custody
ANGLETON, Texas — Authorities are investigating a tragic shooting in Brazoria County that left two children dead and two others critically injured early Saturday morning.
According to the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), deputies were dispatched around 5:00 a.m. after a distressed woman called 911, reporting that her son had attempted to kill her and that multiple children were in the vehicle with her.
Deputies located the woman and the children at a gas station on State Highway 288B near FM 521.
Investigators believe the shooting occurred elsewhere, and multiple agencies are now working to determine the exact location of the incident.
Upon arrival, deputies found four children suffering from gunshot wounds. A 13-year-old and a 4-year-old were pronounced dead at the scene.
An 8-year-old and a 9-year-old were airlifted to a nearby trauma hospital in critical condition.
Authorities later confirmed both surviving children are expected to recover.
Initial reports indicate that all individuals involved have been accounted for, and there is no ongoing threat to the community.
A female adult—believed to be the children’s mother—has been taken into custody.
While investigators initially received conflicting information suggesting one of the children may have been responsible, authorities now believe the adult female was the shooter.
In a statement, the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office said:
“All individuals believed to be involved have been detained, and there is no ongoing threat to the community. While the details are still developing, the loss of two children in such a manner is a tragedy. Our thoughts are with the family and everyone affected as we continue to learn more about this heartbreaking situation.”
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office confirmed it is assisting Brazoria County investigators at a related residence in Montgomery County, believed to be connected to the ongoing investigation.
Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims or the suspect pending notification of next of kin.
The investigation remains active.