Shooting victim says injuries cost him his job and home

TITUSVILLE, Fla. — A Titusville man, who police said was gunned down by his neighbor over four months ago, has had his life turned upside down by the incident. He said he lost his job and is now losing his home.

Bruce Blake was the only survivor when, police say, William Woodard shot three of his neighbors on Smith Drive.

"I couldn't get up, my legs wouldn't let me," Blake said, describing the moments after he was shot.

Police said Woodward shot Blake and two other men several times in September.

Blake said his life has crumbled since the crime.

"I can try, but then my body won't let me do what I want to do," said Blake. "I got shot. Not able to go back to work. Not able to do what I would normally do."

Blake has had several surgeries, but said he still has serious problems with his liver, stomach and spleen, as well as his legs and the nerves in his back.

WFTV's Renee Stoll saw letters dated just last week from the Florida Department of Health saying it needs more information before Blake can get any disability income.

"I was shot 11 times with 17 bullet holes, but I had to go get a second opinion," said Blake.

Blake said he hasn't been able to work since the accident.

He said with his disability benefits caught in government red tape, his wife's job isn't enough to pay the bills.

Blake said he and his wife are four months behind on rent, so the couple and their two daughters are now losing their home too.

"Right now we're being evicted. Monday morning 9 o'clock, everything else, we've all got to be out," said Blake.

Stoll talked with the Blakes' landlord, who said he's tried to work with the family but it has become a financial burden for him.

Those wanting to help the Blake family can contribute to The Blake Family Fund at any TD Bank.

WFTV