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.
A man has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a woman in the Avondale neighborhood of Cincinnati, according to the Cincinnati Police Department.
Authorities identified the suspect as Jesse Wilson, 65, who has been charged with aggravated murder in the death of 36-year-old Jessica Hardy. Wilson was taken into custody and is currently being held at the Hamilton County Justice Center.
Police said officers were dispatched at approximately 6:35 a.m. on March 6 to the 700 block of Ridgeway Avenue after receiving reports of a shooting.
When officers arrived at the Avondale apartment building, they discovered Hardy suffering from a gunshot wound.
Emergency crews attempted lifesaving measures, but Hardy was pronounced dead at the scene, according to investigators.
The Hamilton County Coroner’s Office later confirmed her death and ruled the case an apparent homicide.
Detectives with the homicide unit launched an investigation shortly after the shooting, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses as they worked to determine the circumstances leading up to the deadly incident.
Wilson was subsequently identified as a suspect and arrested.
Authorities have not yet released additional details about what may have led to the shooting.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police have asked anyone with information related to the case to contact the homicide unit.