SAN ANTONIO – A second victim in a West Side shooting that left a 14-year-old dead is in much worse condition than authorities originally reported.
Fast Facts:
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Angel Gebara, 14, was shot in the head late Friday while at his home in the 200 block of Saint Christopher Walk.
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Benito Gallegos, 69, is in a coma and has a bullet lodged in the back of his head.
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Police originally said Gallegos was grazed by a bullet in the barrage that left Gebara dead, but Gallegos’ family said his injury was serious and he may not survive.
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The extent of Gallegos's injuries wasn't immediately apparent during the shooting.
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Talking to reporters at the scene the next morning, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said Gallegos had been driving by in a car when he was hit — "grazed in the forehead."
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Gallegos's family heard from hospital staff that Gallegos arrived at University Hospital in a firetruck, not an ambulance, and he was apparently conscious and talking as if nothing had happened. The truth became evident though, they said, after he collapsed at the hospital
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Family members said removing the bullet could leave Gallegos paralyzed. The hospital has told them they will need to decide whether or not to take him off life support.
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Police said that, after processing the scene and taking witness statements, they determined that there were, in fact, three shooters, each of whom pulled their own trigger at some point after an unknown man allegedly made threatening gestures toward them.
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San Antonio police on Saturday arrested the three men in connection with the shooting.
READ MORE: 14-year-old West Side shooting victim dies; arrest documents shed new light
What Gallegos’ family is saying:
Elisa Gallegos, sister-in-law:
“Barbecue gatherings, parties, he was always there. He was real close — real close to the family.”
“He’s not responding. It’s, like, because his brain is so swollen.”
Adam Gallegos, nephew:
“We don’t know what’s going to happen. All we know is he’s in critical condition.”
“Hopefully, a miracle will happen.”
CRIME MAP OF THE AREA
Crime Map Breakdown:
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6 aggravated robberies of an individual
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1 robbery of an individual
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1 aggravated sexual assault of a child
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2 sexual assaults
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5 aggravated assaults with a deadly weapon, not including Friday’s shooting
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1 aggravated assault-family violence
