My Son Got Shot In The Head
How Am I Supposed To Act?
I don't know how to act right now. I don't know what to think. I am at a loss for words since I found out that my son got shot in the head. Shot in the head after responding to an ad on craigslist for a car. Robbed, beaten and shot.
I am still in state of shock and feeling guilty, because here I am one of the biggest Craigslist advocates there is. I would have have never thought in a thousand years that something like this would happen to my own son.
He is recovering, thanks to God. It could have been such a different outcome. I could have been grieving the loss of my son. When I think of how he must feel my stomach churns because I can't imagine. I can't imagine getting shot in the head and the trauma that he must feel.
My heart aches for him. My heart aches for our family. We are all in shock and can't imagine something this bad happening to one of us. I think about the people that shot him , and hope they catch them soon. Hope they take them off the streets so they can never ever do this to someone else. I think about the betrayal of it all, the loss of trust, the loss of innocence.
All I can think about is my son, his feelings and my feelings right now. I know one day I will write something more about this - I will write a hub about the dangers of Craigslist, but for right now all I can think about is dumping my feelings and thoughts out on paper to get this off my chest. Even though I am getting the words out on paper, the words are still stuck in my throat. I feel like screaming. I am afraid to looks at the news now, afraid to pick up the phone.
I am traumatized and I don't know what to do,. where to turn or who to talk to. I feel stripped, afraid, tired and exhausted. I don't know what I should be feeling or doing at any given moment. I guess I am still in shock.
(This was written a few days ago....my son is recovering.. and with each day that goes by - things get a little better.....I am still afraid to look at the news....or watch the news on the TV....)
The Craigslist Robbery in East Palo Alto
News Reports On the Robbery and Shooting
- SF Craigslist Watchdog Examiner: Craigslist used car post leads to bungled robbery in East Palo Alto
San Francisco Article: Craigslist used car post leads to bungled robbery in East Palo Alto by local SF Craigslist Watchdog Examiner expert, Paul Springer.
The Local Papers Report of the Shooting
Crime Line That You Can Call With Tips
Comments
AUTHOR@Cyndi) Thank you so much for your encouraging words and how awful that you had to go through this. You and my son seem to have personal angels looking out over you. God Bless.
Dorsi,I just wanted to tell u there is lite at the end of the tunnel.I was shot in the head 17yrs ago an i'm still alive,happy an healthy.I still have a few side effects from it but i'm still here.It will b ruff on ya'll for awhile but things will get better.
- AUTHOR
@Earth Angel) Thank you. He is doing well and made a good recovery as far as I can tell.He had no health insurance so tests he should have had he couldn't. Mentally I think something like this stays with you forever though....
And yes, it makes you realize life can change in an instant.
Dearest Dorsi,
Somehow I missed this nightmare posting of yours completely! I see it was a couple of years ago; I do hope your son has made a full recovery!?
No wonder you jumped to rally around Michelle Le and her family! Geeeeeeeeeeeeze! Do you (and your son) still live in the same area?
I think we all love Craig's List but it has been high-jacked by so many crooks and dangerous people!
Similar thing happened as to your son but the man was not as fortunate! He was selling a ring on Craig's List to pay his mortgage; when he opened the door he was shot and killed in front of his little girl! The man took off with the ring and as far as I know was never caught!
This world is a very violent place; any sense of security is often an illusion!
My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you, your son and your family! And the Le's!
Blessings always, Earth Angel!
Thank you! The best to you all.
- AUTHOR
@Lilly) Thank you. I believe he had an angel looking out for him. The bullet went vertically up his skull about a half an inch in then upwards 6" and exited. Had it gone horizontal the outcome would have been much different. I have a feeling that hopefully these scumbags were picked up on something in the meantime and are sitting in jail somewhere.
@Sweet) TY so much.
Dorsi - I am so sorry to hear this happened to your family. I too have been an advocate of Craigslist, but now I am not so sure.
Blessings to you and your Family.
Dorsi, I am so glad that your son survived. It has been over a year, and I just read another Hub, that indicates the robbers have not been brought to justice, as far as you know. Special prayers to you, and your son. Thank you for sharing. This is an excellent incident that should be solved on an unsolved mystery show. It is also human interest, and by that type of publicity, there is a pattern, that will be found.
This is the most tragic story I have read on Hub Pages. My thoughts and prayers are with you, hoping everything is OK now?
Hey Dorsi- Its now a few months later, but I just want to offer my most heartfelt thoughts & prayers to you and your family. I am so glad that your precious son survived this terrible crime. Its sad that some people value life so little. It seems that it wasn't his 'time' as they say. My heart is gladdened to know that he was not taken from you, and I hope that he can use this experience for some good, somehow.
Thanks for sharing this deeply personal experience with us here.
Reading this so much later....hope your son is completely out of the woods now. My prayers for your family.
I hope that your son is healing... and I hope that you are too. As a mother I can't begin to imagine the heartache you've been through these past 3 months- as a user of Craigslist I much more leary after reading this story. Please know that thousands of people have you and your son in their thoughts and prayers. Good luck to you.
I know it has been three months since this has happened however I still send my prayers your way! I promise from this day foward I will dedicate myself in keeping you and your son in my prayers!
I pray blessings and I am asking that God gives you the strength to endure what ever you may be going through even at present day!
mdawson17
I cannot begin to imagine what you, as a mother, have gone through while dealing with this dreadful act against your child. I hope your son and your family are on the road to healing.
Reason is our soul's left hand, faith her right.~~John Donne
Hi Dorsi,
so sad to hear it. I am very thankful to God that he is recovering. That's the greatest good news because the head is too bad a place to shoot someone.
We all are with you and your family in prayers.
cheer up
I just saw this and my prayers go out to you and you son. As a parent I know how terriable this must be for you. Fortunately, he survived and it sounds like he is recovering ok so I am happy for you for this - it is just a shame that it happened at all.
Sounds like good news. Your son is very lucky.
I just found this hub Dorsi. I hope your whole family is recovering from the trauma as well as your son. My family and myself send our very best wishes.
Thanks for the update Dorst! I'm glad he's doing better! The eardrum (actually, the entire body!) is an amazing 'machine'. My ex husband's eardrum was ruptured in an explosive accident. It healed well and he regained hearing. I hope your son's does as well.
Dorsi- That was such a terrible thing but at least he is fine now. I hope the ear drum can be healed and he gets back to hearing normally in the affected ear. My prayers and best wishes are with your family may you all recover soon from this horrible incident. Whenever I hear gun shots I tend to go back to the argument whether guns are really needed in the civilian society. I hope those responsible for this terrible nightmare are caught soon. Anyway God bless you all.
I am really happy for you guys, for it turned out way better than it could have been. Good luck!
- AUTHOR
THANK YOU EVERYONE! Thanks for the words of encouragement, prayers and tips. I truly truly appreciate it. Update on my son: He is healing well but has lost his hearing in one ear because of how close the gun went off to his ear. There is hope however that this can be fixed. Apparently it broke his eardrum. The bullet actually went up almost vertically, from his ear to the top of his head, bounced off his skull and out. My husband says he has a hard head (hey we have to find some humor in this somewhere) I believe my son is alive because of a merciful God who decided his time was not right now. And thanks to all of your prayers, he is getting better. Thank-you again.
dorsi - my own son told me not to use craigs list while the other one swears by it, who can know what will happen but i sure that praying helps - God bless you and your family
I am so sorry to hear about such horrible incident. Thank goodness he will survive. How is he? Did he suffer permanent damage? It hurts me to hear such sad news although many of us have been affected by crimes that are so heinous. I hope that you never experience pain like that again....If you ever need to talk.....I understand what you are going through. I am happy though that your son is still alive. As for me....My loved one did not survive. My prayers are with you !!!
just calling in Dorsi to see how you and your son are doing, my prayers are with you...
Dorsi,
Words don’t come easy at a time like this. My prayers are with you, your son and yours. May God watch over you and comfort you. May God heal your son and your family. May God show Himself strong for you.
Blessings ~ eddie
wow, im so glad he is ok. this is scary, i do a lot of buying and selling on craigslist. i will definitely be more careful now. my thoughts and prayers are with you guys.
So very sorry to hear about this. When I was in junior high my next door neighbor shot himself in the head. He survived and ended up having a perfectly normal life afterward, got married, etc.
It is shocking that these kind of things can happen. What is good to know is that being shot is not a death sentence. I hope that your son ends up well after this experience.
Dorsi--just checking in on you. I hope that you are well. How is your son doing? Any updates on the suspects?
Enough questions for now. You're in my prayers.
It is frightening how many weirdos and whackos we have in the world, and how they abuse the internet to be able to prey on other people. Hope all goes well with your son!
Dorsi I am very sorry to hear about your sorrows and those of your son - thank God it didn't end in tragedy - our prayers are with you at this time...go well.....
ps I found this on tagfoot from ping who I believe could be the alias for Patti English
That IS a very traumatic experience for your son and the rest of your family. I'm very, very relieved to hear he's recovering nicely. As you know you have the support of everyone here!
Dorsi,
Sending energy and positive light.
I lost one brother who was shot 7 times. Many years before that,
My other Brother was held on the ground, face down at gun point and robbed for $13. It is DAMN crazy in the world but we have to hold on to the light and survive. It is hard but you can make your way through this and carry your son with you... Faith and Hope girlfriend, prayer and love!
Bless all of you and prayers sent from everyone in this household.
Dorsi:
I am sorry for the pain you and your son are going through. Thankfully your son will recover and I pray for a complete recovery. My wife and I lost our 25 year old son in 1993 after he was shot while attending a party. After that, like you, I started writing expressing my grief and inner most thoughts. This was a life saver to me and is one of the most healthy ways (to me) to deal with such a devastating event. Also, I became heavily involved in various "crime victim's rights" organizations devoting a great deal of my energy and diverting my anger by trying to assure that justice was served on behalf of our son. It is very easy and probably the natural thing to do of feeling guilty and blaming yourself. I live in the Los Angeles area and would suggest you contact the California Victim Compensation & Governemnt Claims Board as both you and your son are more than likely entitled to certain rights as victims of crime under California law. My wife, daughter and I were eligible for state paid counseling. The number to call the state agency is (916) 491-3730. The address I have is 400 R. Street, Suite 500, Sacramento, CA 95814. Also, we intiated our claim through the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office through their crime victim's advocate. You might check with the DA's office near you if you wish to file a claim with them. No matter what you do, my thoughts and prayers are with your son, you and your entire extended family and friends.
What a relief! One of the hubbers told me about this trouble of yours, and I thought he was shot dead. Thanks God or whoever is there he was not!
Dorsi, your son and you have my thoughts, and I am sure he will recover!
Father lord I pray that Doris's son makes a full and speedy recovery and that the people who did this are caught even faster so they will not be a danger to anyone else. I pray that Doris can see past this challenge and continue to be an inspiration to others and that she gets over all her fears quickly.
In Jesus name AMEN
This is the only thing I can think to do to help you right now.
Give my regards and blessings to your son.
My heart goes out to you and I hope your son makes a full recovery. I sincerely hope the criminals are caught and punished to the full extent the law allows.
Dorsi! -- I placed your Hub on a site that Darkside suggested as good sharing, and it is. Prayers and wishes are coming for you there, too:
http://tagfoot.com/ping/bookmarks.B7F55054-B862-4C...
I hope you don't mind this link.
How terribe! We're praying for a speedy recovery. Sometimes it's hard to be afarid these days, with things happening all around like this no matter where you live.
I sincerely hope he's getting better every day - love to you all.
Wow, I just found this Dorsi--prayers are with you and your son.
Dorsi,I am praying for your son, you, and your entire family. It just too bad that people don't value life at all. I hope they are caught soon so they can stop their madness. Take care.
Hello Dorsi
I don't even know where to begin. My heart aches for you and your family. While this feels so inadequate to say, I am so sorry for what has happened to your son. You are all in my prayers that he continues day by day to make progress to a full recovery.
Dorsi, there are some tools that you can do to help you deal with your trauma. There are two techniques that you can do that will help with the trauma. One is called EMDR (http://www.emdr.com/index.htm) and the other is EFT (http://emofree.com/). With the EFT you can download the manual and do it yourself but given the nature of your trauma, I would work with someone. I would try the EMDR first. Both are designed to help people with post traumatic stress and you have had a huge trauma.
There are practitioners around to help you...they are not long term....you won't have to do this forever. You can search for practitioners from these websites.
Dorsi, once again, I will keep you and your family in my prayers. This should never have happened.
Susan
I'm so sorry for you, hope your son recovers ok - at least physically. This sort of thing hurts you mentally though doesn't it, you just never feel safe again.
It's so sad that today's society includes so many bad people, so many monsters around that too often get away wiith horrific crimes like this.
It's time that the media, schools, churches and above all parents taught their kids how to behave and how to treat others. Maybe the parents are all too often to blame. Hopefully President Obama will put some initiatives into effect and also inspire more people to help others. We can always hope.
Oh my gosh, Dorsi, I am so sorry to hear about this! All my best wishes for a speedy recovery for your son, and may they catch the bastards who did this to him as quickly as possible!
My payers are with you and your family.
Kim
Yes, one of my children lived in East Palo Alto for a brief period. It's quite different from Palo Alto.
- AUTHOR
THANK YOU EVERYONE. You have no idea how encouraging all your words have been. To know that people are praying for us and care this much - I just can't say thank-you enough. My son is still recovering physically. I'm sure mentally things will never be the same. Once you have a traumatci thing like this happen it changes your life forever. I just can't get over the fact that he lived to "tell about it". I hope and pray that he will use this experience in a positive way, that it doesn't color his world around him. We must see the positive in things or we would crazy in this life. You just never know what a day will bring, do you?
And for the question about where did this happen- it was in East Palo Alto across the bay from where we live, about 25 minutes away.
- AUTHOR
THANK YOU EVERYONE. You have no idea how encouraging all your words have been. To know that people are praying for us and care this much - I just can't say thank-you enough. My son is still recovering physically. I'm sure mentally things will never be the same. Once you have a traumatic thing like this happen it changes your life forever. I just can't get over the fact that he lived to "tell about it". I hope and pray that he will use this experience in a positive way, that it doesn't color his world around him. We must see the positive in things or we would crazy in this life. You just never know what a day will bring, do you?
And for the question about about where did this happen- it was in East Palo Alto across the Bay from where we live, about 25 minutes away. Notoriously known for being one of the most violent cities in the country, which I had no idea of. I knew it was bad but didn't know how much crime goes on in E. Palo Alto.
Dorsi, I, like all the others here am SO SORRY this has happened to you and your family. The angels on his shoulders are a direct result of God's wonderful grace. He is blessed to have them there, and you everywhere else that a mother is. Writing about it does get it off your chest, doesn't it?
Please keep us updated and pass on my love and prayers to your son!
Saw the title and had to take a look. Sorry that this happened. Hope your family recover from this incident soon.
So when do we outlaw hand gun ownership? It is a serious problem throughout the world and won't go away without stiif penalties. Too many innocent people are suffering and this needs to stop.
My prayers are with you and your son. I'm glad to read that he is recovering.
OMG! I'm so sorry. I'm glad things are getting better for you. Thats horrible. I'm glad you shared and got some things off your chest...it cant be easy. May many prayers be with you along with mine for your son and family.
Wow, Dorsi. This is unbelievable. I can't imagine what you, your family, and your son went through. I'm just happy that he's doing well. My thought are with you. Thank you for sharing.
Dorsi, I've been offline all week just to come back and see that you posted a hub. I was in shock to discover the subject matter. I am so very sorry this happened to you and your son! My thoughts are with you! *hug*
Dorsi, my prayers go out to you and your family. Thank goodness, it was not fatal. It is a shame that we cannot be too careful.
Keep strong!
Dorsi
So sorry to hear that such a thingcan happen to your son. Am glad he is recovering and hope that he will be completely well soon. Take care. God be with your family. God bless.
Deepest sympathies, as we all use groups like Craigslist in today's world it is horrible that things like this happen. Maybe a Mom Blog on ways to stay safe while using sites like Craigslist?
Again I cannot imagine what you are going through right now and we have also added you all to the prayer list at church!
Dorsi, I had to read the title of your hub twice to see whether what you wrote was fictional or true, I sorry to have found out that it was the latter. I only pray that he fully recover with all of his mental apparatus in tact. And I also feel very deeply for you. I just can't imagine what a parent goes through when something of this caliber hits their child. I pray for both of your recovery.
hubby7
I caught this on Digg and put you & yoru son on the prayer line right away. too much horrid business int his world. Be encouraged, as you are supported here.
Patty
Dorsi, I am speechless right now after reading your hub. I can't even begin to imagine the terror that you all went through. I continue to pray for the recovery of your son (emotionally and physically) and for you and the family.
OMG Dorsi, I am ever so sorry! I was always afraid of Craigs List! I am wishing all goes well for you and your family. I am sorry to hear this has happend.
Dorsi, this is truly shocking. I can only guess how scary this must have been for your boy, and I pray he makes a speedy recovery and that you all are able to recover from this. Children are so much a part of us, that when they get hurt, we hurt too.
Dorsi - I have kids and I know what its like when one of them gets hurt but this is truely terrible. Just remember that there are folk all over the globe with you in this. May God bless you and your family at this time.
It's always possible for anything to happen, yet we are always caught by surprise when something like this happens. When I initially saw the title, I thought the worst, but am glad your son is doing okay. I'll be praying for you both.
I am praying for you and for your son Dorsi.
So sorry about this Dorsi, glad to read that he is getting better.
Dorsi, my prayers go out to your son, you and your family. What's happened is unimaginable to me, and I hope your son continues to get better.
Fear started to engulf me when I read this. I am sorry this happened. I feel you although I can never truly understand how you feel but I am a mother myself. When my son falls from his bike or whenever I hear him cry, I scream to calm myself from panic. I just feel like I need to release my nervousness.
something terrible like this happening to a mother is beyond discription. My prayers are with you for the fast recovery of your son.
Hey Dorsi, your headline defnitely cauhgt my attention.
As I read it.,It became apparent to me that troubles do lie ahead. Unfortunately as more people lose jobs and as the population grows crime will increase. Moreover, I just saw on the news that some state/city budgets are so bad that new police officers will be laid off. Anyway, this hub brought an uneasy feeling to me as well since I have a little daughter who I watch out for & want to keep her far from incididents like these. My prayers are with you & your son and I hope for a speeedy recovery.
My thoughts are with you and your son.
I very sorry this happened. I was selling several things on Craig'sList recently and had heard of some incidents like this going on. I started going to a family member's home to meet prospective buyers, or would never do business at night.
You, and especially him, are in for some PTSD issues and possibly some lifelong adjusting. I can tell you, physically and/or mentally, he will never be the same.
Above all, he is going to need your support. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you need to.
When I started reading this hub I immediately thought about what should I say to you Dorsi... but now that I have read it and all the comments I´m much more relieved and happy to see that your son is recovering fast and even able to comment here. All the best to you both Soulflow and Dorsi, you know you`re on our thoughts. Take care.
I am so very sorry to read about what happen to your son. Our prayers are especially with your son and of course you and your family and friends.
so sad...I am so sad about you son....we can't know about next few second what do..
I'm really sorry to hear about your son Dorsi and really glad that he is recovering. I know it must have been really scary for you.
Things like this can happen anywhere at anytime to anybody. Last year it happened to my son. He was just minding his own business and driving through McDonalds drivethru. Luckily for us the bullet stayed lodged in the door of my son's truck. But it was still scary!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! God Bless!
i love you mom! Im here for you forever and always!
Dorsi
You are a strong person and you have gone through toughs times. I know you'll surface from this tragedy. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family. :D
Dear Dorsi, Mothers have a special, extra sensitive spot that aches when our kids ache, stings when our kids sting. We literally feel their pain in addition to our own, don't we? For that reason, I can only imagine how this must feel to you.
They say nothing is wasted in God's world. Whatever lesson is meant to be learned from this, I hope it comes to light soon. Mostly, I hope your son and your family and you are able to heal and move into a happier, safer space in your lives.
Sending you big hugs. MM
That is horrible and my prayers are with you and your family. I always knew Craigslist was a little seedy. I have listed things on Craig's list and have never had any issues however I will be much more cautious since this report.
Whereabouts in the Bay Area did the shooting occur?
So sorry to hear Dorsi - it's really great that he had angels on his shoulders. Pray he recovers and is back to normal very soon. And pray the horror fades from your mind soon too.
Dorsi, I am so sorry for you and your son!! Thankfully, it was not worse!! I hope he makes a speedy recovery! My thoughts and prayers are with you, your son, and the rest of your family. Thank God the bullet only grazed him!! Thank you for sharing this!!! I, too, have had some issues with some shady dealings on craigslist, but never anything this bad. My boyfriend bought a bike off of craigslist, for his son, and it ended up being the very same bike that was stolen from our neighbor's child a few months earlier. We didn't realize it until a week or so later. We reported the incident to the police, but there was nothing we could really prove. Thank you for bringing to light some of the dangers associated with dealing with strangers in such matters.
Oh dear, I didn't know about this! I will surely be praying for you guys!
God Bless and love always,
Rose
How horrible! I wish your son a speedy recovery, and I hope you will get some consolation from that fact that he has survived this vicious attack and is making a recovery. This is a difficult time for your son, and for you. It is to be hoped that the police will find the guilty parties and the courts will mete out the appropriate justice. But I hope that you and your son will concentrate on his full recovery.
oh my...just another "you are in my thoughts" post. Take Care!
Dorsi, I am very sorry to hear this. I wish and pray for your son's speedy and complete recovery.
- AUTHOR
Everyone, thanks. This happened last week. I still can't believe it. It grazed his head about half inch deep from his ear to the top of his head. Thank God it was vertical and not horizontal. It just makes me sick sick sick.
He has big angels sitting on his shoulders.
Dorsi,
My deepest sympathys. I couldn't imagine what you and your family are going through right now. I prayed for you and I believe that Our Mighty God will bring HIS justice at the right oppertune time.
Hugs to you and your family!!
Wow! That's terrible. Some people don't like to advertise their own cars for sale out of fear that bad people will respond and rob them. So they trade them in instead or sell them to a dealer. I hope your son recovers 100 percent.
I can only imagine how you feel. I will be praying for a full recovery for him and the comforter to come to you. One thing I know for sure without a doubt, Jesus knows exactly how you feel and He will stay by you through it all.
Your son, you and yours are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Oh my God, Dorsi! I had no idea that you were going through this. Plus the job loss.
I'm so happy to hear that he is recovering. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if I can help in any way.
My deepest sympathy and my hope that your son will have a speedy recovery. Craigs list is a great resource so you advocacy is still good. There will always be bad with the good. So the last thing you need on your plate is guilt. Get plenty of rest as your son will need your strength!
Dorsi, I am really sorry to hear. I know nothing will make you feel better except full recovery and justice, but my thoughts go out to you and your family.
Thoughts and prayers to you and your son.
Oh Dorsi, how horrible. I am so sorry to hear this. I wish the best for your son, you and your family.
I am speachless. I am so sorry, I do a lot of business on CL. I hope your son will be ok.
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