17-year-old charged with murder in Gastonia case

A father in Gastonia is heartbroken after his 17-year-old son was killed. He learned that another 17-year-old, Jamony Kennedy, has been charged with murder in connection with the case. The victim’s father, Mike Sullivan, believes his son was intentionally targeted. According to a search warrant, Kennedy was supposed to be living in a group home but had escaped. Authorities allege that he robbed a minor at gunpoint before taking part in a planned robbery that led to Brandon Sullivan's death. Mike Sullivan described the experience as a "nightmare" and expressed his deep sorrow over losing his son. Three weeks prior to the shooting, Brandon's friends had encouraged him to buy vape cartridges from others. When Brandon and his friends arrived at the meeting point in Gastonia, masked individuals surrounded their car. During this encounter, one of the suspects allegedly struck the driver with a gun and shot Brandon. Police arrested 18-year-old Moises Pena-Gonzalez for his role in the robbery and murder. He is accused of organizing the sale. A grand jury indicted Kennedy for the same charges. Before the fatal incident, Kennedy had reportedly escaped from the group home and was involved in another robbery. Sullivan believes the suspects targeted his son for his money. He is frustrated and questions what is happening with today's youth. Though he feels that the suspects deserve severe punishment, state law prevents the death penalty for those under 18. Authorities are still searching for at least two more suspects linked to the case.