Two days after Juan Rodriguez was shot in the head by a gang-related stray bullet in the comfort of his own home, he remains in critical condition at ECMC.
But for Sonia Pagan, Juan's mother, Friday in particular is a bittersweet day - Friday Juan turned 12-years-old with family by his side as he fights for his life inside the hospital.
With no arrests made yet in the Humason Avenue shooting, the community is asking questions and looking for answers. Friday, Mayor Byron Brown commented on the shooting, calling it a "senseless" act of violence.
"We have to continue to be tough," Brown said. "To let people know that this behavior will not be tolerated, but also to let them know that there are alternatives to crimes and violence."
But for Pagan and her family, the pain, she said, will never stop hurting.
"Enough is enough. Take that violence somewhere else," she cried Thursday, as she left to comfort her son who is fighting for his life.
With the community behind him and his family by his side, Pagan is prayerful that Juan's condition will improve. Both she and her family continue to ask for support during this difficult time.
To donate funds towards Juan's recovery, click here.
