On July 16, 2024, at approximately 11:45 p.m., 18-year-old Damien Carter Senesaynho was fatally shot in Kannapolis, North Carolina. The incident occurred near the intersection of Caribbean Court and Westgreen Drive, where officers responding to reports of gunfire discovered a vehicle that had crashed into an apartment building. Senesaynho, the driver, was found deceased from an apparent gunshot wound.
Two passengers were also in the vehicle: 20-year-old Carson Lee James, who sustained a gunshot wound and was transported to a hospital for treatment, and 16-year-old Jose Eduardo Castro, who suffered minor injuries from the crash.
Family members have described the event as a robbery gone wrong. Senesaynho's mother, Riki Hyronemus, recounted that witnesses saw her son running for his life as shots were fired, followed by the sound of a crash when the car struck a tree. She also mentioned that James was left blind after being shot in the eye, and that Castro had to play dead to avoid being shot.
In the months following the incident, Kannapolis Police conducted an investigation that led to the identification of an Instagram account allegedly connected to the homicide, which had been deactivated shortly after the event. On October 1, 2024, three juveniles were arrested in connection with Senesaynho's death. Two were apprehended in Charlotte, and the third during a vehicle stop in Concord. All three were processed and transported to the Cabarrus Youth Development Center.
Senesaynho's family and friends have expressed profound grief over his loss, remembering him as someone who loved outdoor activities like going to the lake, the beach, and shooting at the gun range. His brother, Khai Vo, emphasized the senselessness of the tragedy, stating, "It's such a tragic loss." The family has also sought assistance with funeral expenses through a GoFundMe campaign.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting remains ongoing. Authorities have urged anyone with additional information to come forward to aid in the pursuit of justice for Senesaynho and his companions.
