A mural has appeared along a highway in North Carolina in memory of a 5-year-old boy who was shot in the head by a neighbor.
Cannon Hinnant was playing with his two sisters outside his father’s home when he was fatally shot.
Darrius Sessoms, 25, who is reported to have lived next door to Cannon’s father Austin Hinnant for 8 years, has been arrested and charged with murder, according to Wilson Police.
Skeeter Tulloch, who doesn’t know Cannon, painted a mural on a highway near his home with the words “Cannon’s Life Matters.”
Posting pictures of the mural on his Facebook page Skeeter wrote: “In loving memory of Cannon. Cannon’s Life Matters.
“Apparently I offended quite a few people with the caption that I used, (protest) I hope this makes the haters happy, have a great day, and hug your children. It’s is a tribute to a little boy, nothing else,” he added.
His post has been shared just under 1,000 times and attracted hundreds of comments.
The mural was painted just one day after the 5-year-old’s funeral.
“I just wanted everybody to have something to see,” Skeeter added, as per ABC13 News.
Skeeter hasn’t revealed exactly where his mural is for fear of public reprisal. On his Facebook post he says he received “so much hate” after sharing images of the mural that he was worried for his property.
Tulloch says he plans to go over the mural with another layer of brightly colored paint in a few days.
Cannon’s mother, Bonny Waddell, wrote on Facebook that Cannon was a child who “made sure you knew he loved you even if he knew you five minutes… Cannon was always telling everyone he loved him.”
She described him as “sweet, innocent, and loving,” adding the hashtag #IWANTJUSTICE.
I hope justice is served and people never forget this beautiful little boy who had his life torn from him so senselessly. Rest in peace Cannon.
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