This American mother who had brain surgery after being shot in the head in front of her kids has said that her ex-boyfriend claimed the shooting was an accident as she lay critically injured on the floor.
Vanessa Martinez, 31, was shot in the head in the city of Mesa, which is located in the south-western US state of Arizona, on 11th September this year.
And after having brain surgery, she warned other women to give up hoping that men like her ex would ever change, and to get out of the relationship before it was too late.
She said: “You need to get out because it doesn’t get better. The promises, they are broken promises; it will not get better. This doesn’t have to happen to anyone else. I don’t wish this on anybody.”
The mother’s ex-boyfriend Antwon Wilford was arrested for the crime and is currently being held in prison.
The domestic violence shooting led to a SWAT police storming the apartment, according to local media outlets Fox 10 and Azfamily.
Fox 10 reported that the incident took place at around 9am when a 911 dispatcher said they heard what appeared to be an argument before the man on the other end announced that he was cleaning his firearm and allegedly shot the woman.
Responding police officers asked anyone remaining inside the apartment to come outside before the SWAT team intervened.
A few minutes later, three children aged four to two exited the apartment and told the cops that “daddy had shot mommy”, according to Fox 10.
The SWAT team was called to the location after negotiations with the suspect broke down.
The suspect reportedly made it to the roof of the building and fell through the ceiling into an attic.
The neighbour alerted the police to the situation and the cops used a chemical agent before storming the building.
The suspect was given medical treatment before being taken to the Mesa City Jail.
Fox 10 reported that Wilford had three outstanding arrest warrants and was also on probation for opening fire on his girlfriend as she was driving from their home last year.
Wilford is facing charges that include second-degree burglary, misconduct involving weapons, and aggravated assault, although it is currently unclear if he faces any attempted murder charges.
Azfamily has quoted Vanessa as saying: “My son comes to me and says, momma, you are ok, daddy didn’t kill you.”
She added: “We are arguing, we go upstairs, he accusing me of things. I said, we are not even together; I don’t want to be with you. Then, [he says] well if I can’t be with you, no one can. Next thing I know, I am shot.” (sic)
Vanessa said: “I know that I am shot. I feel the burn in my face; I feel the burn in my head. I can hear him telling me, I am sorry, I just grazed you. I am sorry it was an accident.”
Vanessa had brain surgery after being taken to hospital and now, one month later, she is recovering at home.
