Following the shooting at Allen Premium Outlets on May 6, some hospitalized victims have begun to show improvement.
Irvin Walker, 46, was one of the first people shot during the incident and was taken to the hospital for treatment in critical condition. He had his first surgery on May 8 and another this past Friday.
Jasmine Walker, Irvin’s daughter, gave an update on his condition.
“He knows God is with him and that’s what he’s been saying since the beginning,” said Jasmine, per CBS News. “He’s so spirit filled. It’s a relief to have someone who has faith in the people taking care of him.”
Jasmine continued on to say that it would be a long road to recovery, but she will continue supporting her father through the process.
“It’s been a journey and I know it’s going to be, moving forward, especially now considering he’s protected me all my life and now I have to figure out how to protect him,” she said, per CBS News.
William Cho, 6, who had celebrated his birthday just four days before the shooting, is the sole survivor of his family. He is no longer listed as a patient at the hospital, and his family has released a statement regarding his release.
“Our hearts are broken for our beloved family members who are no longer with us. We are deeply grateful and sincerely appreciate the outpouring of support and prayers. William is recovering well. All of our attention is now focused on ensuring William leads a happy, healthy life with his extended family who love him dearly.
“We ask that you respect and honor our family’s privacy in the coming days and weeks so that we may mourn and honor our loved ones’ legacies and lives. We are not considering any media interviews at this time. With deep-felt appreciation, William’s family,” read the statement, per NBC 5 DFW.
Dianne Barton, a third-grade teacher in Allen, said she spent the day of the shooting praying that none of her students were injured.
“Just being a school teacher. I have two young boys. This hits home. Before they released the names, I was just praying and praying that it wasn’t one of my kids,” Barton said, per NBC 5 DFW. She continued, adding, “I can’t even imagine how the schools are feeling, how the teachers are feeling. This isn’t fair.”
Barton said she could not fathom the pain being felt by the victims.
“Just imagining having my son who’s 4, like … living life without his family. I can’t even wrap my brain around it,” said Barton, per NBC 5 DFW. “That’s not fair to this little boy. It’s not fair. It’s not fair to him.”
