An 11-year-old Black girl had her entire world rocked after a stray bullet went into her car as she traveled home from school last month. Her family says it’s a miracle she survived but the incident cost her one of her most crucial abilities.
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Willow James was riding home from school with her father and cousin by 158th street and Paulina Avenue in Harvey, a Chicago suburb, when Graylin Waters allegedly opened fire on May 28, per ABC7 News. Police said a stray bullet from Waters’ gun struck Willow in the head.
Her family said the bullet missed her brain by a small margin. However, she sustained fractures to her skull and “serious trauma that has impacted her ability to walk, speak, and process emotions.” The family said she's paralyzed.
Police said they used security camera footage and license plate readers to track down Waters. He was then arrested at his sister’s house in Lansing. There, they discovered his vehicle which contained a loaded gun believed to be connected to the shooting. Authorities said Waters didn’t have a valid conceal carry card and should have never had a firearm in his possession in the first place.
The cops said the shooting was an isolated incident and they are unsure if Waters was targeting someone. Waters was charged with aggravated battery with a firearm. A judge denied his bond, ruling he was a danger to the community, per ABC. Meanwhile, Willow is in intensive rehabilitation at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, learning how to walk again.
Her family said before her injuries, Willow was a basketball champion, cheer captain, track star and dancer.
“She lit up every room — and every field, court, and stage she walked onto. Her spirit is still there, fighting hard every day through therapy," they wrote on GoFundMe. "We believe in her strength more than ever."
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