May 21, 2009 8:06 pm US/Central
Child Gunshot Victim Determined To Get Better
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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Martrell Stevens was paralyzed in a shooting last year, but is determined to improve his condition.
CBS
It's been almost a year since a Chicago toddler was shot in the backseat of his mother's car. He is now paralyzed, unable to walk. But his mother says meanwhile, the shooter is walking around scot-free. CBS 2's Anne State reports with an update on this case.
Martrell Stevens is a little boy who will steal your heart. But his story will break your heart, too.
Martrell is a smiling 5-year old who loves to play video games with his brother, LaWilliam.
"Best part? Playing the Wii," Martrell said.
Martrell's mom says he is tough kid. He's been through more than most adults ever will.
"No kid deserves to be in a wheelchair," said Martrell's mother, LaKeesha Rucker. "No kid deserves to be shot."
Rucker says
Martrell was in the backseat of her car when a man came up to them and opened fire.
"All I know is he shot my baby," Rucker said. "I didn't know what happened. I saw my son. He had blood coming out of his mouth.'
Rucker says the bullet missed his heart by an inch, but it left him paralyzed. However, Martrell is determined to walk again. He's practicing with his walker. He wants to use it next month when he graduates from kindergarten.
"I want to walk across the stage," Martrell said.
Who shot Martrell? Chicago police say the case is "open and ongoing."
But his mother says she knows who did it, and told police. But she says other witnesses have been reluctant to come forward. So the case has stalled. She wants that to change. She wants justice for Martrell.
"This past year, it was a rough year, but we made it through," Rucker said. "We're gonna continue to try to go forward."
Rucker says the shooting put her in a financial bind because she had to leave work for a few months to care for Martrell. She says she had to apply for public aid and food stamps.
Rucker asked the Illinois Crime Victim Compensation Program for help with lost wages. She says she got two weeks' worth and is still waiting for the rest.
The attorney general's office says it is looking into her claim.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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