Landyn Davis: Virginia boy, 8, shot in head by stray bullet wakes up from coma as cops hunt for suspect
VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA: About 20 bullets volleyed into a home on Peele Court in Virginia Beach on the night of February 13. One of them hit 8-year-old Landyn Davis in the back of the head as he was playing video games on his father's computer.
Landyn was taken to the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, where he underwent surgery. He was placed in a medically induced coma until February 20, but a family friend confirmed that Landyn was now "awake and responsive," WTKR reports.
What happened to Landyn Davis?
Landyn's mother Emily Rigsby and father Steven Davis were supposed to attend a meeting for their oldest son’s middle school wrestling team on the day of the incident. However, minutes after arriving at the school, their 15-year-old daughter called. "She was screaming at the top of her lungs,” Rigsby said.
The couple dialed 911 and rushed home and found the cops in the house and their daughter outside. The worried parents asked if their son was okay and later learned that Landyn had been shot.
Landyn was in his parents’ room playing video games on his dad’s computer. Their daughter was outside talking to friends when someone fired shots into the house. According to Virginian Pilot, Rigsby speculated one of her daughter’s friends had been the target of the shooting.
However, Rigsby’s daughter was left with a wound on her leg but a bullet that struck the house lodged in Landyn’s head. Police declined to share information about the shooting, citing the ongoing investigation.
Landyn Davis is recovering slowly
Landyn's mother Emily Rigsby, said that her son's medical tests have come back positive, "We will see what he’s able to do and what he’s capable of doing with the damages he has to his brain, He still has the breathing tube down his throat and can't speak yet but he is awake."
Landyn attends Holland Elementary School as a third grader. He spends almost every day with his two best buddies, Legos, and Sonic. According to Rigsby, his two sisters and brother are concerned about him. The family just lost Landyn's health insurance, so they are using GoFundMe to raise money for her medical bills. In addition to asking others to donate if they are able, Rigsby requested them to spread the fundraising on social media using the hashtag #LandynStrong. She also requested the community's prayers.
Community helps Landyn Davis's family
An online fundraising page is garnering medical and associated expenses for Landyn. Members of Virginia Beach Crime Solvers have also raised the reward for information leading to an arrest to a max of $5,000.
Jason Ferry, a friend of the Davis family said, "It's been amazing what everybody has done for the family."
Ferry is organizing a fundraiser at Pups and Pints in Virginia Beach to help Landyn's family. "We have two bounce houses, two DJs, we have three food trucks, we have tons of raffle prizes from gift cards to shirts and hats," Ferry said. He added that several businesses have generously chipped in to make the fundraiser a success. Any business owner interested in donating can directly message Ferry on Facebook.
Tatom another family friend said she and a friend, Emmy Sharrow, wanted to show Landyn's dad, Steve Davis, and mom, Emily Rigsby, love by making t-shirts that say #LandynStrong.
With Sharrow's help through her business Crafting Happily Ever After, Tatom is selling each t-shirt for $25. She said all proceeds are going to the family. If you would like to order one, you can direct message Tatom on Facebook.
