A teenage dad 'may never walk again' after being shot three times in the back at a park, his family fear.
New dad Connor Harper, 17, was gunned down while at the park and the cold-blooded attacker is still at large.
His heartbroken sister, Leanne Bayliss, states that two bullets went 'straight into his spinal cord' after the attack in Sandwell and he is now completely bedbound, Birmingham Live reports.
Connor faces four more weeks of lying on his back in hospital and will then be taken to a spinal hospital 'where he will be taught to walk again or use a wheelchair'.
The reportedly motiveless attack happened at a recreation ground at approximately 7.30pm on April 8.
Connor was with a group of friends at the time.
West Midlands Police say no arrests have been made so far but is treating the incident as attempted murder. Connor, from Rowley Regis, is dad to five-month-old Jaiden but he has not been able to see his baby son since the shooting.
Leanne, 30, from Rowley Regis, has launched a fundraiser to help pay for a physiotherapist and equipment to help her brother in the future. She told Black Country Live: "We are all heartbroken as this attack might have changed the course of Connor's life forever, at such a young age.
"He has a baby boy too who he can’t see due to not being able to bring his baby boy onto the ward at all. He’s still in hospital. He has to remain in this hospital for a further four weeks, lying completely flat to keep his spine straight.
"Then, after the those four weeks are done, he will be sent to a spinal clinic in north Wales. If he recovers all movement in his legs, he will be taught how to walk again and if he doesn’t recover all of his movement, he will be taught how to live his life in a wheelchair. He will stay at that spinal clinic for three to 12 months."
Writing on the fundraising page, Leanne had said: "My little brother Connor, at the young age of 17, was involved in a horrific attack that could potentially have changed the course of his life forever. Connor was shot in the back three times and two of those bullets went straight into my brothers spinal cord and have done a lot of damage that means Connor might never walk again.
"With all the hope and professional help and equipment in the world we hope to give Connor the best chance possible to walk again.
"We ask for your help to get Connor the best physiotherapy or equipment that Connor will need to get him back on his feet again and just anything to make him as comfortable and happy as possible in these tragic circumstances. Any donations given are so appreciated by myself, Connor and all of our family no matter how small we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
A total of £450 has been raised so far. To donate, visit GoFundMe.com.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police added: "We are continuing to investigate. There are no arrests at this time. The boy remains in hospital with life changing injuries."
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