Stacy Williams leaves hospital, recovery appears complete

It was one of the most tragic stories this station has ever reported: an innocent little girl, playing in her yard, suddenly struck down by a gunshot. Over the last several days, however, the story has become a happy one. As I discovered this morning, the victim is making a remarkable recovery.

Looking at eleven year old Stacy Williams, you would never know that just six days ago, this bright eyed young girl was fighting for her life, the victim of a bullet that was meant for someone else. Williams, who is mentally handicapped, returned home over the weekend. While she has no memory of the shooting incident her father remains reluctant about sending her back in the yard to play. Her guardian and grandmother, Mary Williams has difficulty sleeping.

Mary Williams, Grandmother

“I still have a headache and I fear if I lay down, every minute I get up because I still feel that I see she like she was there, you know it is hard.”

But while the shooting has taken a toll on Granny Williams and her family, they are regaining their strength and courage through the high spirits of the young victim herself.

Stacy Williams, shooting victim

“Come on people clap your hands.”

The only visible sign of the incident is a small scar on Stacy?s right cheek, showing where the bullet made its entry. According to Williams, it?s a miracle that she still has her granddaughter by her side.

Mary Williams

“It is a miracle. God was guiding that bullet. It came out of a gun, but God was guiding that bullet or that bullet would have killed Stacy. I am a Bahai and I believe so much in God. I believe that with prayers, all things are possible, and I think with the prayers that the people are offering all over Belize that helps a lot.”

The bullet remains lodged in the back of William’s neck. The family has been told by their doctor that an attempt to remove it could put Stacy at risk of paralysis or death.

Mary Williams

“The doctor is positive that Stacy is recovered. All he said is don’t let them touch the bullet because it is in an area where there is a lot of tissue, lot of sinuses. It can cause a lot of harm if they touch it.”

As for Stacy, she continues doing what she loves best. After a little bit of coaching, she managed to do a pretty good job of reciting her favorite nursery rhyme.

Stacy Williams

“The Days of the Week.”

“The days of the week are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday.”

But while Stacy is now back home recovering, the family is troubled that if nothing is done to rid their neighborhood of gang violence, next time another child may not be as lucky.

Mary Williams

“Well my point of view is to keep these guys out of your yard. They are looking for refuge in the yard, but if they are there, then the other guys, gangs just come along and just shoot. Then bystanders, innocent people get caught in the middle. So I believe as neighbors we should try and keep them out of the yard. Let them find another place to lodge, cause they still keep lodging to the back there.”

So until the guys with the guns decide to clear out or go straight, the streets and yards of Belize City will remain a dangerous place to play.

Three young men were arrested in the case. They are cousins Mark and Stuart Sutherland and Norris Leslie.