COLUMBIA, Md. — Going to the store to get a drink and leaving in an ambulance with a gunshot wound – that's what happened to Kaylin Castle.
Police said Castle had nothing to do with the fight outside the store, but now he’s in a hospital bed because of it.
WMAR-2 News spoke to him on Facetime after he got out of surgery. “It’s crazy man; it is what it is,” Castle said. “Just one of those things you gotta live with.”
Younger brother KyMauri was holding the phone, he had come home between hours of visits to Shock Trauma to be with his brother.
“It hit him in his leg, and fractured his femur bone,” KyMauri said. “He had to have surgery yesterday, and he has to have surgery again tomorrow. They found internal bleeding inside.”
Kaylin is a fighter. He wasn’t supposed to live past the age of 5 because of Cystic Fibrosis. Now the 21 year old is getting ready for his 24th surgery.
“Just trying to focus on this gunshot wound. Make sure nothing else gets infected and that everything is properly healed so I can come home and get back to work,” the older Castle said.
He wants to get his first tattoo when he gets out of the hospital.
“Something that represents a warrior," Kaylin said, "survivor, this was my 23rd surgery.”
He’s thankful for everyone that’s supported him; and he had a message for the shooter who is still on the loose.
“It’s got to stop. Especially black on black, man stop it everywhere," said Castle. "It’s not worth it. You could be doing life behind bars or you’re going to be in a box.”
Investigators don't think the intended target was hit, and the shooter hasn’t been caught.
“It’s not right, and a lot of people don’t deserve it,” KyMauri said. “A lot of people are losing their lives because of the decisions of other people.”
Kaylin could use your help as he fights through these surgeries.
