Today a second form classroom at Canaan SDA High School in Belize City had an empty desk and chair because student 15 year old Tyrique Thompson was in the hospital, he had been shot in the head. It happened last night in a gang affiliated neighborhood - where the boy's family feel he was shot just so that a rival gang could send a message. Monica Bodden has the story:
Monica Bodden reporting
15 year old Tyrique Thompson is holding on to life at the KHMH after he was shot in the head. The student was only a block away from his home - when the gunman approached him from behind and fired a single shot.
It happened here on Lakeview Street just after 8 last night. This is an area known for an escalating feud between two gangs who are only separated by a single bridge.
And while the community is scared to speak out, they believe the teenage boy was not the intended target -instead it was a message for the neighborhood he resides.
Thompson is a second form student of Canaan High School.
Jaime Roberts- Vice Principal, Canaan High School
"It was very shocking because like 3 minutes or 5 minutes ago I got the news and it is unbelievable for a child like that, one of our students been shot at this moment."
Maybelline Campus is Thompson's homeroom teacher - She spoke to us about the reality her students are faced with-now that crime has visited their classroom.
Maybelline Campus - Homeroom Teacher
"It really pierce my heart to hear that one of my students from my home room got shot and its really heart wrenching to realize that these young people that have a future in front of them, to see them go down in a way like this. It's really devastating."
Monica Bodden
"Do you believe that a lot of your students are being affected by the crime situation in Belize City?"
Maybelline Campus - Homeroom Teacher
"Yes, I have students right in my home room who would tell me, 'Miss I can't go that area or because I'm afraid I can just keep here or stay at home. I don't go out at night.' One student told me, 'Miss I'm literary locked down because I'm afraid to go out.' So the crime is really affecting the young people and right here in our school and in my homeroom."
Thompson's classmates and teachers are hoping for a speedy recovery. But according to his mother, he is still critical - and doctors will be monitoring the young man closely for the next seventy two hours.
The bullet entered through the back of the teenager's head and is lodged inside his neck. Thompson came out of surgery this morning and is now in a sedated coma.
Police have detained 3 suspects.
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