Community Comes Together in Support of Young Shooting Victim in Charlotte
Charlotte, N.C. – It’s a story that breaks your heart and sparks a fire of hope at the same time. A 2-year-old girl named Lei’Loni has shown incredible resilience after being caught in the midst of a shooting while peacefully asleep in her home. In the early hours of Sunday morning, Lei’Loni was struck by a bullet that entered her family’s apartment at the Evoke Living at Westerly Hills complex on Wilkinson Boulevard.
A Night of Terror
As Lei’Loni slept soundly in her bed, an unexpected tragedy unfolded around her. The chaos occurred when gunfire erupted, and a bullet tragically found its way into the apartment, hitting the tiny girl in her side. Her family was left shattered and in disbelief. Thankfully, after a series of multiple surgeries due to her injuries, Lei’Loni has made remarkable progress.
Progress to Celebrate
Recently, her family shared the wonderful news that Lei’Loni is off the ventilator and is now breathing on her own. Her grandmother, Dondellia Marsh, spoke with joy and relief, saying, “She’s been waking up, opening her eyes for us, and that right there, that just took a whole weight off my shoulders, just to see her eyes open up.” The emotional toll of the situation is challenging, but seeing Lei’Loni sit up in bed has brought sparks of hope to the family.
Justice in the Works
In connection to the incident, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has arrested 19-year-old Demetrick McDonald, who is now facing serious charges including assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and numerous counts of shooting into an occupied dwelling.
Adding to the urgency of community safety, records show that this is not an isolated incident; just days later, on Tuesday morning, someone fired bullets into a different apartment within the same complex. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported in that case, but the fear it brought to residents is palpable.
A Message from Big Mama
Dondellia Marsh, who the little girl lovingly calls “Big Mama,” has a heartfelt message for anyone who thinks it’s acceptable to fire a gun recklessly. She urges, “Think about somebody other than yourself. You’re always hurting innocent people, and it’s a baby, she’s a baby. She deserves more than that. Why are you doing this? Think of other ways to settle your beef.”
Support for the Family
The family is facing daunting medical expenses and is currently seeking support from the community. Additionally, they are hoping to find a safer place for Lei’Loni’s mother to stay. With everything that has happened, they truly need some uplifting help. Big Mama added, “Oh that will be the biggest joy, I long for that. I’m just waiting for her to say ‘Big Mama’ because that’s her song, I love to hear her call me that. She loves to jump on my lap; I miss that.”
Community Spirit
Charlotte has shown time and again how it pulls together in times of hardship. The community’s helping hands and hearts can genuinely make a difference. Stories like Lei’Loni’s are tough to hear, yet they remind us all of the strength and solidarity that communities can embody. The thought of Brighter Days ahead, where little Lei’Loni is running and playing without a care in the world, continues to fuel hopes and prayers from all corners of the city.
