'It's hard living without him': Wilson mom honors murdered son's memory with park

The case made headlines all over the country last August, and since then, his family has been busy making sure his memory stays alive.

Hinnant's mother, Bonny Parker, spoke with WRAL Thursday about the special park they renovated in memory of her son and their plans to give back to the community.

Parker said the loss of her son is a void she'll never be able to fill.

“It’s hard living every single night without him,” she said.

When Cannon was killed, his family started a GoFundMe to raise money -- a fund that quickly grew. The page quickly raised over $800,000.

His mother is now using chunks of that money toward family therapy, starting a nonprofit organization for other families who have lost a child to gun violence, and to renovate the J. Burt Gillette Athletic Complex in Wilson, which was very special to Hinnant.

“The airplane was his favorite. I don’t know if it was the springs on it that made him go faster but definitely the airplane, he loved that one the most,” she said.

$300,000 of that $800,000 was used to renovate Hinnant's favorite place, including new, grass turf, big, beautiful umbrellas for the sun and a wheelchair-accessible swing for children that is already being put to use.

“We have birthday parties here and he just loved this park, specifically, so it would make him so proud to be able to do this for other children,” Parker said.

Parker has also donated $100,000 to fix Wilson City Miracle Field, which is right next door. It will give children with disabilities a place to play. She said she comes to the park often to reminisce and create new memories with her other children, who also feel that same void.

The official park unveiling will be August 9 at 8 p.m. A vigil will also be held on the same day.

Any and all are welcome.