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Roxbury Bystander Paralyzed by Stray Bullet Makes Gains in Rehab, Targets Home by New Year

Her rehabilitation now centers on upper-body strength and daily living skills to restore independence.

Overview

  • Aleyah Fernandez continues intensive therapy at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, regaining finger dexterity and upper-body control for tasks like drawing and pouring water.
  • Clinicians describe her as highly motivated, with therapy geared toward functioning independently ahead of a hoped-for discharge before the new year.
  • Fernandez was struck in the spine by a stray round on Oct. 8 while walking on Dudley Street, after prosecutors say dozens of shots were fired into a restaurant.
  • Two men charged in the case, Shawn Walker and Devante Stinson, are being held without bail as dangerousness detainees; Walker is due back in court in January.
  • As discharge approaches, Fernandez faces housing uncertainty and her family says requests for city assistance have not received a response from Mayor Michelle Wu.