Jeremy Herred Jr., injured in Douglass Park, Chicago shooting that killed Marjay Dotson, is paralyzed, on ventilator: family
More than three months after he was shot, a Chicago teenager will move from a hospital to a rehab facility this week.
Jeremy Herred Jr., now 15 years old was left paralyzed and a ventilator. A second teen died in the shooting at Douglass Park , which happened over the summer.
Jeremy's family is offering nonstop support as the criminal justice system makes slow progress in the prosecution of the former lifeguard accused in the shooting.
It is a rare opportunity for Jeremy to be outdoors to see his family and friends.
"He been in the same bed literally for 102 days," said Jeremy Herred Sr., the boy's father.
The teen, who would be a sophomore in high school, is paralyzed and uses a ventilator now. His parents have been with him every day.
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"It still ain't what we knew him before the situation, but we grateful for the progress so far," his father said. "Every step, every day, little wins, how he was when they brought him, just taking it day by day."
This is progress after being shot in the neck, the bullet hitting an artery and his C4 vertebrae. Soon, he is expected to leave the hospital and move to a rehabilitation facility.
Over the summer, Jeremy, then 14 years old, had been at Douglass Park pool on a warm day with friends. But he left Douglass Park on June 26 in an ambulance.
He and another teen had been shot. Marjay Dotson , 15, died from his injuries.
Former Park District Lifeguard Charles Leto is in custody, charged with murder and attempted murder .
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Leto is due in court next week. He has pleaded not guilty and has said he was defending himself.
On Monday, Jeremy's classmates said they were excused from school for a special visit with him.
"It feels kind of good. He looked better and seemed better than when it first happened," said Quinton Goins, Jeremy's friend.
"Looking way better than he was in the beginning," said Rashiya Hood, another friend of Jeremy's.
Jeremy is now 15. And, for now, his parents say, the family has been on hold, with plans for this time in their lives dramatically altered.
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"I hope that he gets better and he able to get back to the things that he used to do I know he's not going to be exactly the same I hope he'll be able to do what he was doing," Hood said.
"Just taking it day by day. Still a long road ahead, but we'll take this. For now, we'll take this," Jeremy's father said.
On Monday, Jeremy's mother said he was a little overwhelmed and tired but happy. So, his parents said, they are grateful for a good day.
