Bullet reportedly missed choir boy's spine by centimeters

(FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) – A 13-year-old boy who was shot in the abdomen while walking to choir practice in Roxbury last week is in fair condition; however, he still has the bullet in his body.

Gabriel Clarke remains hospitalized at Boston Medical Center following the shooting that occurred in the area of Homestead Street and Humboldt Avenue around 7:10 p.m. Friday. Gabriel is reportedly up and walking around and could be out of the hospital in a few days.

Dr. Andrew Glantz says emergency surgery was the only option for Gabriel.

"He was awake and alert when he got to the emergency room, then he got sick and started vomiting," Dr. Glantz told FOX 25's Ted Daniel.

The bullet reportedly tore through Gabriel's abdominal cavity, injuring his small and large intestines. Dr. Glantz says the bullet is still embedded in Gabriel's back, just centimeters from his spine.

Officers believe Gabriel was shot by a passing car, possibly a gray car, but they have not made any arrests in the case. There are no new investigative updates. At this point, the shooting appears to be a random event.

Gabriel and his mother, Shirley Clarke, are scared, but they say they are not angry with the shooters. They don't understand why Gabriel was targeted and ask anyone with information to come forward.

"Gabriel didn't deserve this. The community didn't deserve this. There's been enough damage, there's been enough suffering," Shirley Clarke said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Boston Police Department at 617-343-4200.

Religious leaders have planned a prayer meeting to show support for Gabriel and his family. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16 at the Berea Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Cox Media Group