In Brooklyn last month, a 16-year-old basketball talent tragically lost his life due to a stray bullet, and now the teenage shooter faces severe consequences, leaving the victim paralyzed. While still in the hospital, the victim’s mother confidently stated that her son is determined to walk again.
According to police, 19-year-old Isaiah Greaves was taken into custody on December 17, weeks after he allegedly shot Nana Donkor in the back while she was waiting for a bus at the intersection of Avenue J and East 16th Street on November 30.
Greaves, reportedly accompanied by another individual, was allegedly aiming at someone else who was familiar with Donkor, who had paused to greet them. This was revealed by the injured boy in a conversation shortly after the incident.
Facing charges of attempted murder, assault resulting in serious injury, and weapon possession, Greaves remains in custody. Authorities have indicated that his accomplice remains at large.
Donkor’s mother, Danielle Boakye, expressed her anguish in a phone interview, stating, “My son is hurt. I can’t bring him home like this.” She elaborated that no matter the outcome for Greaves, the harm inflicted on her son cannot be undone. Yet, she also acknowledged that the arrests are a step in the right direction. “They need to be held accountable for harming an innocent person,” she insisted.
According to court documents, the stray bullet left Donkor paralyzed from the waist down.
Reflecting on her son’s condition a month later, Boakye mentioned that he is showing signs of recovery, although doctors deem it too risky to remove the bullet just yet. “It’s remarkable. He’s able to transition from the bed to a chair,” she noted, emphasizing that he has some sensation in one leg.
Doctors initially had little hope, predicting that Donkor, a junior at the Far Rockaway Seahorses, might never walk again. “We believe in him, and that has made a real difference,” his mother shared, expressing gratitude and hope in their faith after what seemed like a very daunting beginning.
Despite his challenges, she shared that Donkor himself remains positive, saying, “I know I’ll be able to walk again, and soon.”
As for Greaves, following his arraignment on December 18, he was denied bail and is set to appear in court again on January 7, as stated by the prosecutor’s office.
