Teen Overcomes School Shooting Injuries, But Rare Condition Erases Progress

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A student who was critically injured in a 2024 school shooting made a remarkable recovery, learning to walk again, only to suffer a setback when he developed a rare autoimmune condition that erased his progress. InvestigateTV+ sat down with Samy Garduno Martinez's family to share how violence can leave a lasting impact.

Why it matters

This story highlights the long-lasting trauma and challenges that survivors of school shootings can face, even after seemingly making a full recovery. It underscores the need for comprehensive support and resources for victims of gun violence as they navigate the physical and mental health impacts.

The details

Samy Garduno Martinez was one of the victims of the December 2024 shooting at Abundant Life Christian School, where a student opened fire, killing a teacher, another student, and the shooter. Martinez was given only a 3% chance of survival after being critically injured, but in the weeks after the shooting, he started eating, talking and walking again. However, doctors later discovered he had developed a rare form of autoimmune encephalitis, and he was placed in an induced coma for weeks.

• On December 16, 2024, a student opened fire at Abundant Life Christian School.
• Nine days after the shooting, Martinez was taken off a breathing tube.
• In the weeks that followed, Martinez started eating, talking and walking again.
• Doctors later discovered Martinez had developed a rare form of autoimmune encephalitis and placed him in an induced coma for weeks.