A Boston father is pleading for “an end to violence” after his two children were shot, one of them on a ventilator “bravely fighting for her life.”
The shooting happened in the rear courtyard of 50 Ames St. in Dorchester just before 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 17, police said.
Five people were injured, three were adults and two were children. One child was said to have life-threatening injuries while the rest had non-life-threatening injuries, according to police.
The mother, Joanna Algarin, was grilling chicken when she “heard what sounded like fireworks,” according to the GoFundMe. Both her children, 11-year-old Johan Howard and 15-year-old Juliana Howard, were playing nearby, the fundraiser said.
They were both hit by the gunfire. Juliana had four gunshot wounds, including one the pierced her head, the GoFundMe said.
It states she’s had multiple surgeries and is on a ventilator.
“The resilience and determination that she demonstrated in the face of adversity are now more critical than ever as she battles to overcome the devastating impact of this senseless act of violence,” it reads.
Johan has since been released from the hospital.
Now, the family is calling for an end to violence
“Algarin and Howard passionately appeal for an end to violence, emphasizing that it is always someone who doesn’t deserve it, and this incident was senseless,” the GoFundMe reads. “In the wake of this tragedy, the family, together with the community, is calling for action to ensure the safety of children in their neighborhood. They believe that something must be done to protect these young lives, not just during election time but always.”
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has also expressed her frustration surrounding the shooting.
“I’m angry, I’m upset as a mom, as someone who’s been working with all of our teams to make sure that we can do everything possible to create opportunities in the city,” Wu said during the press conference. “These are the evenings where it just reminds you we can’t move fast enough in working to make sure that all of our young people have what they need, that we’re getting guns off the streets.”
The GoFundMe is helping the family cover medical expenses, rehabilitation, counseling, and the day-to-day expenses incurred “as they strive to rebuild their lives.”
It has raised $27,852 of its $30,000 goal.
“Together, we can make their path to healing and justice a little smoother,” it reads.
