GASTONIA, N.C. — A second suspect has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a teen, according to the Gastonia Police Department.
On January 26, 16-year-old Zaquavious Dawkins was found shot near the Ganesha Food Mart. Family members said Dawkins was shot three times while running errands for his mother.
A few days later, another 16-year-old was arrested and charged in Dawkin’s murder.
On April 7, 25-year-old Jayveon Love was also arrested in connection with this case.
According to detectives, Love was driving an older model black Tesla that allegedly followed Zaquavious Dawkins before he was shot in the back.
Channel 9′s Jonathan Lowe spoke with the victim’s grandmother, Eveleana Dawkins, following Love’s arrest.
“At 25, you should be a halfway grown man to know what’s right and wrong. He should have been encouraging the 16-year-old to go home or get some help,” Dawkins said.
She said her feelings were mixed on the latest developments in her grandson’s case.
“I don’t know to fear for him, but I do know to pray for him; that’s all I can do is pray for him,” Dawkins expressed. “A little better because justice is going to be done, so it makes me feel a little better.”
She said she was expecting more arrests, and until the others are caught, she and her other grandchildren will continue to deal with post-traumatic stress.
“It’s no trust; they don’t go anywhere, won’t go anywhere without me or a grown-up; they’re just frightened,” Dawkins explained. “I pray every time they go out the door; I pray.”
Dawkins said she is praying not only for her grieving family but also for the young lives that are connected to Zaquavious’s murder. She wants other teens to pay attention.
“They should take heed to that; out here in the streets doing all kinds of stuff, anything can happen, anything can happen to you, and it needs to be stopped,” Dawkins expressed.
Love has been charged with first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder, according to police.
He is being held in Gaston County jail without bond.
VIDEO: Grandmother of 16-year-old shooting suspect shares heartbreak for teen victim’s family
©2025 Cox Media Group
