Aderrien Murry, an 11-year-old boy who called 911 for assistance before a Mississippi police officer shot him in the chest, spoke with CNN about his harrowing experience. Aderrien revealed that he began praying and singing after being shot, as he believed those were his last moments alive. While his mother applied pressure to his wound, Aderrien sang the gospel song "No Weapon Formed Against Me Shall Prosper" and asked her to apologize to his family and teacher for his actions.
Despite the severity of his injuries, Aderrien credits his prayers for saving his life. However, he still struggles with the haunting thoughts of what could have happened. According to NY Times, the young boy shared that he often envisions himself lying in a coffin, a persistent thought that lingers during the night. Additionally, he sometimes feels as though he is being watched, but his main concern revolves around his own mortality.
11-Year-Old Victim of Police Shooting Speak About Pain and Recovery
Nearly ten days after the incident, Aderrien continues to experience pain in various parts of his body and has difficulty breathing. Activities such as running and jumping have become challenging. Nevertheless, he remains grateful to be alive and believes that God has a plan for him, even if he has yet to discover it.
According to CNN, the shooting occurred when an Indianola Police Department officer responded to a domestic disturbance call at Aderrien's home. The officer, identified as Greg Capers, shot the young boy in the chest. The incident is currently under investigation by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation. Following the shooting, the Indianola Board of Aldermen placed Capers on paid administrative leave.
Aderrien's mother, Nakala Murry, had requested police assistance after the father of her child arrived at her home in an agitated state. Aderrien informed the 911 operator that the man did not possess a gun, and his mother reiterated this information to the police upon their arrival. However, when Aderrien complied with the police's commands to come out with his hands up, he was shot.
The child was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he underwent emergency medical procedures. He suffered a collapsed lung, fractured ribs, and a lacerated liver. Aderrien has since been released from the hospital but continues to endure physical pain.
Family Files $5 Million Lawsuit Following Shooting of 11-Year-Old by Officer
Carlos Moore, the attorney representing Aderrien and his mother, expressed shock at the incident, questioning how a trained officer could shoot an unarmed 11-year-old who had obeyed their commands. Moore has filed a lawsuit seeking $5 million in federal court, alleging excessive force, negligence, reckless endangerment, and civil assault and battery, among other charges.
Aderrien, hoping to understand why he was shot, wants the officer responsible to be terminated from his position. According to USA Today, the incident has had a significant impact on his perception of the police, and he frequently feels uneasy when by himself in dark spaces. Nakala Murry, grateful for her son's survival, demands justice and better training for police officers, including the firing of Capers.
The mayor of Indianola, Ken Featherstone, has called for a fair examination of all the facts before making any decisions regarding Capers' employment status. He has not yet seen the body camera footage and has not had the opportunity to speak with Capers. The city faces a lawsuit seeking justice for Aderrien's traumatic experience and the implementation of necessary changes to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the investigation continues, Aderrien and his family seek both peace and justice, aiming to heal from this traumatic incident and ensure accountability for the actions taken by the police.
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