Teen girl in critical condition after shooting as family clings to hope
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A teen girl is in critical condition after getting shot on what should've been a day of happy memories.
Naomi Briggs loves animals, her friends and life. But her outing to celebrate 16 years made a sharp turn from a night's joy into a nightmare.
Naomi's mom, Andrea Briggs, said it was an "automatic freak out" moment when she received the heartbreaking text from her daughter that she'd been shot.
"Am I angry? Of course, I am. Like I'm looking at my daughter in there and I'm - I'm very angry," Andrea said.
Andrea said her daughter's friend, Sky Koburt, gave Naomi a ride from Beaverton to her home in Gresham this past Thursday. It was after a social event to celebrate Naomi's latest turn around the sun, although not on the actual birth date. However, a gun inside the car somehow went off, striking Naomi in the stomach at close range.
Naomi sustained serious internal injuries. She's had to endure six surgeries and counting and remains in critical condition to this day.
Naomi's cousin, Lexi Cruz, said the incident has affected her whole family and it's unclear how long the recovery will take. Despite these obstacles, the family continues "feeling very hopeful."
"Now I've had a lot more good news today and we're just holding onto that right now," Lexi said.
Though Naomi's recovery is uncertain — and will likely be a long road — the family takes solace in the support of the community. Neighbors are pitching in to help with medical bills and giving her family the strength to keep fighting, in part thanks to a GoFundMe fundraiser.
Now, Naomi's family is able to spend Thanksgiving with her at the hospital.
"To see all the support and the love and the awareness that she's getting, that makes it a lot easier — to see all the good people that are out there rooting for her," Lexi said.
The 18-year-old Sky Koburt is now accused of assault and unlawful possession of a firearm. However, law enforcement is still verifying details about the gun.