‘It’s such a tragic loss’: Family speaks out after 18-year-old killed in Kannapolis shooting

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — A family in Kannapolis is speaking out after one of their loved ones was shot and killed on Tuesday.

The shooting happened near Caribbean Court around 11:45 p.m. The Kannapolis Police Department said they found 18-year-old Damien Carter Senesaynho dead after being shot.

Senesaynho’s brother, Khai Vo, and other family members gathered Saturday evening to remember their loved one.

Vo said it was a situation that should never have happened.

“It’s such a tragic loss. He loved going to the lake, he loved the beach, and he loved motorcycles. He loved shooting guns and going to the gun range. He loved spending time with his family and friends. It’s such a tragic loss,” Vo elaborated. “I love you, Damien, and you’ll be forever my brother. I love you so much.”

Senesaynho’s mother, Riki Hyronemus, told Channel 9 that the situation was a robbery gone wrong.

Hyronemus said those who witnessed the incident said her son was running for his life as shots were being fired. They said they then heard a crash and saw a car against a tree.

She said Senesaynho was shot and killed, his 20-year-old friend was left blind after being shot in the eye, and a 15-year-old who was in the vehicle at the time had to play dead to avoid being shot.

“Every single time we got off the phone, we always said, I love you, so those were the last words that we heard from each other: I love you,” Hyronemus said.

At the time of the shooting, police said it was an “isolated incident” with no threat to the public.

If you would like to assist the family with funeral expenses, click here.

VIDEO: 18-year-old shot and killed in Kannapolis, police say

18-year-old shot and killed in Kannapolis, police say

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