SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - A 5-year-old boy is home from the hospital, days after he and his sister were shot while playing outside their Florida City home.
7News cameras captured Eric Wright as his mother, Katilla Bell, wheeled him out of Kendall Regional Medical Center, Tuesday afternoon.
Wright’s sister was released from the hospital later that night.
“Now I’m excited,” said Bell as she stood by her son outside the hospital. “I am happy they’re home.”
According to Florida City Police, Wright and his sister, 9-year-old Treasure Clark, were both shot in the chest in the area of Northwest Seventh Avenue and 12th Street, Thursday afternoon.
Police and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to reports of shots fired at around 5:15 p.m.
Investigators said a group of children were playing in the area when a white four-door car drove by and opened fire.
“He was shot in the chest on the right side, and he was outside playing with his sister,” said Bell.
Paramedics rushed the young victims to the hospital in critical condition.
“I was terrified. I didn’t know if I was going to lose him,” said Bell. “I didn’t know what to do. I was just terrified and scared and shaken inside, completely.”
According to a police report, witnesses said they saw men arguing outside the children’s home, Thursday afternoon.
Wright’s mother said she’s concerned the person responsible for the shooting remains at large. “I am still disappointed ’cause they haven’t caught nobody or told me nothing,” she said.
However, Bell said, the children’s recovery is nothing short of a miracle. “It is a miracle, and I’m happy,” she said. “I can’t stop smiling, ’cause I’m glad.”
Throughout the ordeal, the boy’s mother is astonished by her son’s resilience. “I love him, and I’m happy. He is strong, a tough little guy,” she said.
The children’s family has set up a GoFundMe link to help with medical expenses. If you would like to make a donation, click here.
If you have any information on this shooting, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.
Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.