Only on 10: Virginia Beach boy who survived a bullet to the brain speaks with 10 On Your Side
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Eight-year-old Landyn Davis, the boy who was shot in the head inside his Peele Court home in February, told 10 On Your Side in an exclusive interview that he is looking forward to resuming play of his favorite video game and taking a special trip.
‘He’s an innocent child;’ 8-year-old boy in coma after being shot in the head in Virginia Beach home
Now, he and his parents are talking about their long road to recovery, as Landyn has spent 76 days in the hospital.
He family said he spends three hours a day in rehab, and not only can he move his fingers and toes, but he has also started to speak in full sentences. The bullet that struck him is still in his brain.
10 On Your Side spoke with the 8-year-old in his very first interview. We asked him what he’s looking forward to after he returns home from the hospital.
“Play my favorite video game and go to LEGOLAND,” Landyn said.
Sonic is Landyn’s favorite video game.
“Everything’s Legos,” said his mom, Emily Rigsby. “He wants to buy Legos, he wants to build Legos, he wants to go to LEGOLAND. Everything is Legos and Sonic. …
“He’s doing great. He’s working really hard in rehab. Getting stronger every day. He’s talking really good and holding his own head up, moving his fingers and his toes and his legs. He’s just doing great.”
Landyn’s parents, Rigsby and Steven Davis, plan to throw their son a giant party when he’s released from the hospital, which they say could be in time for his 9th birthday on Memorial Day.
“We’re going to have a big birthday party, we’re just not sure if it’s going to be on Memorial Day because [there’s] little time for planning, especially because we don’t know exactly what day of the week we’ll be released,” Rigsby said.
Since news broke of Landyn’s story, the local community has rallied to support the Davis family through several fundraisers, including a motorcycle cruise at the Oceanfront last month which brought in more than $30,000.
Fundraiser held for Landyn Davis, 8YO shot in head, in VB
A GoFundMe has exceeded $60,000. The funds go directly to Landyn’s medical expenses and repairs to the family’s home after 20 bullets struck the property, one of which hit Landyn who was playing a video game on his dad’s computer.
“It was very unexpected for any of this to happen,” Rigsby said. “From what happened to him, to the community coming together, just everybody being there for us, you never really know who you have in your corner until something like this happens. We’re so grateful for everybody and everything that’s been done for us, still being done for us. It’s amazing.”
Landyn also said “thank you” for all of the support.
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