An 8-year-old Cincinnati boy who was not expected to live after being shot in the head five months ago has returned home — and his mom is crediting God for his “miracle” survival.
“The power of God. Miracles do happen,” Marcella Thompson told WLWT-TV of her son, Marcellus “M.J.” Whitehead, and his amazing healing. “It feels great to have my baby back at home. It feels good to have all four of my kids back together.”
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Thompson said she knew M.J. would eventually return home and credited her “faith in God.”
M.J. nearly lost his life in June when he was walking home from a convenience store with his brother. He was shot in the leg and head, with doctors reportedly telling the family the boy wouldn’t survive his wounds.
Months later, Marcellus — who experienced a traumatic brain injury, five surgeries, months in the hospital and a stint in rehab — returned home, defying all expectations.
The boy still has an uphill battle, as he is in a wheelchair and isn’t speaking. Thompson continues to pray for her son’s full healing and recovery, but is elated to have him home, where he will continue his recovery.
After more than 150 days fighting for his life in the hospital, 8 y/o Marcellus “MJ” Whitehead is finally home. He is a victim of the June Westwood shooting, shot in the leg & head.
— Jenna Cisneros (@JennaCisnerosTV) November 10, 2021
This is the first time he is with all his brothers and sisters 💜 @Local12 pic.twitter.com/WQYLdUOXCu
“He’s determined. He’s not a quitter,” she said. “He’s definitely the true meaning of a fighter.”
M.J.’s father described the day of his son’s shooting as “horrific.”
“It just broke my heart when it happened,” he said. “It was unbelievable.”
Police say Darius Harris Jr., 19, is responsible for the shooting that left M.J. with severe injuries. Despite all of the chaos and pain, though, Thompson has offered her forgiveness to the alleged culprit.
“I still forgive Darius. I’m not angry at Darius, I’m angry at society, I’m angry at parents,” she said. “I’m probably more angry at Darius’ mother than I am to him.”
The family has a GoFundMe for medical expenses for those interested and able to help.
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