Family of 2 child victims hurt in drive-by shooting speaks out
Family members of two children who were seriously injured in last week’s drive-by shooting at a west Fort Worth apartment complex say their little ones face a long recovery.
Three-year-old Me’chelle had to have her right kidney removed and has undergone three surgeries in the past week, according to a GoFundMe set up for the family. A bullet struck her older brother Ka’deon in the femur. Doctors inserted a metal plate in his leg and the 6-year-old will require extensive physical therapy.
“The mental impact all of the children witnessed and suffered through the fear of losing their lives is something I could never imagine any child or human to ever have to experience,” the children’s mother, Druscilla Rodriguez, said in the fundraiser organized by Emmilia Doyle.
Me’chelle and Ka’deon were two of six victims injured outside the Miramar Apartments and Townhomes at 3064 Las Vegas Trail, where police have said one or more shooters fired from a vehicle.
A 14-year-old boy told KXAS-TV that a bullet grazed his right leg, but he’s OK. The teen declined to go to the hospital for treatment. Two more victims were taken to Cook Children’s Medical Center and a 19-yearold was transported to a local hospital.
According to MedStar, one patient was in critical condition, one in serious condition and three were in good condition with more minor injuries when they were transported by ambulance.
Me’chelle was the youngest victim and also the most seriously injured, police have said.
Rodriguez told KXAS that Me’chelle and Ka’deon were laughing and talking with neighbors outside when the shooting started.
“Why? Why open up fire when you see there’s nothing but children outside playing?” Rodriguez said in an interview with KXAS.
A bullet went through Me’chelle’s liver and punctured her right kidney and a main blood vessel, Rodriguez told KXAS.
The 3-year-old was still in the hospital Tuesday, according to the GoFundMe. Ka’deon was released from the hospital Friday, KXAS reported.
Fort Worth Police Department spokesperson Bradley Perez told the Star-Telegram on Friday that the investigation into the shooting is ongoing, but investigators have identified a suspect vehicle.
The current condition of the other shooting victims is unknown.
The GoFundMe set up for Me’chelle, Ka’deon and their family will help cover medical expenses, basic needs and a new place to live.
“Due to the tragic impact of this crime, all of the children will be deeply traumatized by this,” the GoFundMe states. “Making the decision to run outside and play for those kids will never feel the same, at least for a while.”