KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — The doctor of Tiana Carruthers says the hero mother and the first victim of suspected mass-murderer Jason Dalton is making a remarkable recovery after she was shot four times on Feb. 20.
Witnesses say Carruthers shielded four children who were outside with her at the time, including her own child, when the gunman opened fire from the driver’s seat of his vehicle.
She had bones in both legs shattered by separate bullets and was hit once in the arm and in the liver. She was brought to Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo from her townhouse in Richland in critical condition.
Dr. Tom Ross said it may take up to six months before Carruthers is healed. He said her mind is sharp, her will is strong and she is already walking short distances.
He also said Carruthers has been overwhelmed by the community support, which has left her speechless.
Kalamazoo County Sheriff Rick Fuller said investigators are looking for some connection between the eight victims but have yet to find one. They hoped it might explain the motive for the shooting spree that left six people dead.
Fuller said Carruthers will eventually be able to make her own statement to the public and the media directly. But, for now, she appreciates her privacy.
Carruthers turned 25 on Monday.
