Recovering gunshot victim fearful of more violence
In December, the crime shocked the city … a young mother holding her infant son was shot at close range. Lisa Garoy and her child survived, and determined to take control of her life, Lisa Garoy has fought to defy modern medicine every day. But as I found out this morning, some wounds never heal.
Jacqueline Godwin, Reporting
To the surprise of her family and friends, twenty-three year old Lisa Garoy has been making remarkable progress in her fight to walk again. Seven months ago the young mother of two was shot in the back as she stood holding her baby son outside her home in Taylor?s Alley. Police believe this man Brandell Michael fired the shots in retaliation for another incident that happened earlier that night involving Garoy?s boyfriend Leroy Rhaburn and her two brothers Brent and Burton Garoy.
Lisa Garoy, Recovering shooting victim
?I no know if he meant to do this to me. I would want to meet him and ask him if he meant to do this to me.?
Eleven month old Leroy Rhaburn, Jr. was also injured in the attack and although there is limited movement to the right hand, he is happy and healthy. But Garoy?s emotional scars have affected her freedom as she fears the violence may return.
Lisa Garoy
?I no know what to say because I no think this done from through here. I still no like go out there and sit down. I stay right in here. If I go out there I would stay for only fifteen minutes and come in back, because I would think about a lot of things.?
Garoy says it was the support from her mother and the community that helped her survive the terrible ordeal. She started walking on her own only two months ago following one of her weekly physical therapy sessions at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Today she keeps busy by spending time with her son and daughter and doing small household chores. She is still unable to bend her legs and does suffer from some swelling and pain.
Lisa Garoy
?Anytime I go out, people tell me that I am strong and let me keep it up.?
Brandel Michael remains on remand in Hattieville Prison, charged with use of deadly means of harm and aggravated assault.
