The little boy Cannon Hinnant was shot #CannonsLifeMattered #CannonHinnant #SayHisName

The little boy Cannon Hinnant was shot #CannonsLifeMattered #CannonHinnant #SayHisName 

#SAYHISNAMECANNONHINNANT 

'He meant the earth to me': Family and neighbours gather to honour the life of Canon Hinant, the 5-year-old who was shot during a ride in Wilson

Cannon's stepfather said, "He meant the earth to me, a touch like all the other children I helped raise."

Family and neighbours gathered Thursday to honour the lifetime of 5-year-old Cannon Hinant, who was shot and killed during a ride in Wilson last weekend.

More than 100 cars filled the funeral parking zone and other venues nearby. Family, loved ones, and strangers all showed up to spice up the Cannon family during an unimaginable time.

Meryl Reese, Cannon's grandfather, spoke to the media, expressing his pain and disbelief, "We shouldn't be here." Reese, a member of the local child watchers organization, describes his grandson as a "beautiful child" who likes to play outside.

Cannon's stepfather, Parker, tells me that he helped raise the tiny boy alongside his wife, Donna Waddle.

"He meant the earth to me, a touch like all the other children I helped raise," said Parker.

Parker recalled receiving the decision on August 9, when he learned that a neighbour had shot him, Cannon. He went on to say that it shook him to his core.

Parker said, "I got the choice, man. I wont to be walking down the road, which I passed out, which I could not even think for a few seconds, and it took a flash to record it."

Since Sunday, Cannon's death has received national attention. People everywhere the earth use many of the Canon hashtags, sending prayers, words of encouragement, and even financial donations.

“From Australia, Ohio and Colorado, I mean, don't stop. It's everywhere the earth,” Parker said.

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Darius Sissums, 25, is in prison without support, facing first-degree murder. Wilson Police haven't released any information regarding the motive.

The family says Cannon was on the brink of start kindergarten within the week. Reese, Cannon's grandfather, got angry because everyone would do this to a toddler who was out of the house.

"This is evil. I've never met this man in my life, but this is often an evil man," Reese said. "It's there where it must be."

The neighbours were also during a daze at the death of the tiny boy.

Reese and Parker say their family is missing a loving, free-spirited little boy who is getting to be sorely missed and impossible to exchange.

Parker said, "He will never be behind us. He will always be with us, but we'll get through him."

The family plans to hold a protest within the near future, but no details or dates are announced. For now, they say they need a short time to grieve and heal.