ORANGE COUNTY, Fla.,None — The 16-year-old boy who was shot in the neck and partially paralyzed last week is expected to recover, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Nicholas Wilkerson was found shot in the neck, lying in the yard of his friend's Pine Hills home on Karl Lane on Friday, according to deputies. The shooting happened at around 1:45 a.m.
Wilkerson was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center. Deputies said on Monday that he is still hospitalized and indications are that he will recover from his injuries and he is responsive to stimulus.
Deputies said they are unable to release all the details of the circumstances regarding the incident as the investigation is ongoing. However, investigators said all indications are that the firearm was present and being handled by both the victim and a second male subject when they caused the revolver to accidentally fire, striking Wilkerson in the neck. The second subject has been cooperative and has provided information to detectives regarding his activity and Wilkerson’s preceding the shooting, deputies said.
Deputies said they are not looking for any other subjects and the firearm, which was being handled by Wilkerson and the second subject, has been recovered and placed into evidence.
The investigation is ongoing and no charges have been filed.