‘I never thought my son would be a hashtag’ mother of culinary student who was shot earlier this month speaks out – Chicago Tribune

David Husser was asleep in his Lincoln Park house earlier this month when he awoke to the sound of gunshots.

“It sounded like they were right outside my house,” Husser mentioned in regards to the May 6 capturing that left Dakotah Earley, a 23-year-old culinary student, preventing for his life. “I saw a man stand over him and then shoot him again.”

On Monday, Earley’s mother, Joy Dobbs, obtained to fulfill Husser for the primary time and thank him for not solely calling 911, however for additionally administering first support and staying together with her injured son whereas they waited for police and an ambulance.

“I wanted to meet the person that took the time and the courage to not only dial 911 but to come out and be with my son so that he was not alone,” Dobbs instructed reporters at City Hall, the place Husser was being honored by Ald. Brian Hopkins, 2nd, in a information convention earlier than the City Council meeting.

The Georgia resident mentioned her son has all the time been cautious and was “the nicest kid” and “so naive.”

“I never thought my son would be a hashtag,” Dobbs mentioned. “This has just been wild.”

The alleged shooter was later recognized as 19-year-old Tyshon Brownlee, who authorities mentioned robbed 5 people within the Lakeview and Lincoln Park areas between 10 p.m. May 5 and three a.m. May 6. Last week, Brownlee appeared in court docket on expenses of tried homicide and armed theft, the place he was ordered held with out bond. His subsequent court docket look is scheduled for Wednesday.

During the May 6 incident, Brownlee had approached Earley at roughly 3:05 a.m. within the 1300 block of West Webster Avenue, authorities mentioned. He pointed a handgun at him and a wrestle for the handgun ensued, till Brownlee obtained management of the gun and shot Earley twice within the again and as soon as within the head, in keeping with authorities.

“I thought they knew each other because I don’t know how anyone could just shoot someone like that,” Husser mentioned.

While ready for police and the ambulance, Husser, who discovered Earley face down and “in a lot of pain,” introduced a first support equipment to the scene and warranted Earley that assist was on that manner.

“He was the most seriously injured person I’ve ever seen in my life,” Husser mentioned. “I wish I could have done more for him.”

Hopkins of the 2nd Ward praised Husser for his acts.

“Without knowing what was happening, he ran out his door to see if anyone needed assistance,” Hopkins mentioned.

Dobbs mentioned medical doctors are fearful about Earley’s leg, which has already undergone two partial amputations.

Although Earley continues to be in fairly a bit of bodily ache, his spirit stays unbroken, his mother mentioned. He’s been writing, making facial expressions and giving the thumbs up, she mentioned.

“Dakatoh has all of Chicago pulling for him,” Dobbs mentioned.”I wish to learn him the GoFundMe messages. His favourite is ‘Dakotah you’re a beast.’”

Dobbs mentioned it’s Earley’s birthday on Tuesday, in addition to her personal.

“We’re just glad to be able to have that normal birthday together,” Dobbs mentioned.

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