BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. (KCRA) – Family members of the two kindergartners shot at a religious school in California remain at a loss for words as the boys face a long road to recovery.
Tawnee Preisner was at work when she learned her 5-year-old nephew, Elias Wolford, was shot Wednesday at Feather River Adventist School near Palermo. He was one of two kindergartners seriously injured in an attack authorities say was committed by 56-year-old Glenn Litton, who is described as having a lengthy criminal history and mental health issues.
“There’s just no words for what happened,” Preisner said. “Basically, for my nephew, this has shattered his childhood. A kid can’t get shot and just go on. What this shooter did was steal his normal childhood.”
Elias, who was hit in the chest and abdomen, has undergone at least two surgeries and remains at the hospital in critical condition.
“It’s just really, really devastating for kids to go through this,” Preisner said. “A 9-millimeter shot to a little kid is – it’s a wonder he’s alive, and it’s a miracle.”
Preisner says Elias is friends with the other kindergartner who was shot, 6-year-old Roman Mendez. He is also in critical condition and has had several surgeries.
“I believe prayer is powerful, and I believe that the only reason both of these kids are alive is it’s a miracle. I just ask for continued prayer for everyone involved,” Preisner said.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Elias’ family, and a GiveSendGo page has been set up to help Roman’s family.
The North Valley Community Foundation has also opened a victims’ fund for both boys’ families. The foundation noted that all available funds would go to the families.
Investigators believe Litton targeted the school because of its affiliation with the Seventh-Day Adventist Church and made up a fake story about wanting to enroll his grandson at the school to get access to the campus.
Authorities say Litton killed himself following the shooting.
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