A teenage girl was shot in the back while lying in bed the night before her eighteenth birthday, in a terrifying incident that has left her family reeling and investigators scrambling for leads. Raven Brown, an 18-year-old from Atlanta, Georgia, was inside her family home on February 1 when gunfire erupted outside, with one bullet penetrating the walls and striking her as she rested.
Severe Injuries and a Narrow Escape
The projectile entered Raven's back, narrowly missing a major artery in her chest by mere inches—a stroke of luck that likely saved her life. However, the impact caused devastating damage, including a broken shoulder, multiple fractured ribs, and a severely injured lung. In a critical medical decision, doctors opted against removing the bullet due to its perilous proximity to vital arteries, leaving it lodged as Raven began a long and painful recovery process.
A Birthday Overshadowed by Trauma
This horrifying chain of events unfolded on the eve of Raven's milestone birthday, transforming what should have been a celebration into a nightmare. Instead of marking her coming of age with friends, she was rushed to hospital, where she remains grappling with both physical agony and psychological distress. Her mother, Nora Houston, expressed profound relief at her daughter's survival, stating, 'Raven is very traumatized and in a lot of pain. I’m just happy she’s still alive.'
Investigation Stalls as Fear Lingers
The Atlanta Police Department responded to reports of a shooting just before midnight, finding Raven alert and breathing at the scene. Officers recovered shell casings from the property, but no suspects have been identified or arrested, leaving the case in frustrating limbo. Nora revealed that the police have informed the family they lack a suspect, compounding their anguish and sense of vulnerability.
Both Raven and her mother now feel unsafe in their own home, with the teenager describing the incident as 'traumatizing' and expressing fear about returning. In a chilling account to local media, Raven recalled hearing gunshots outside but only realizing she had been shot when she dropped to the floor in pain. 'When I got up, I felt pain. Then, I ran to my mama’s room and told her that I was shot,' she recounted from her hospital bed.
A Promising Future in Jeopardy
Raven is a senior at Carver High School, where she excels academically and plays softball, described by loved ones as a 'fun, bubbly, smart, and outgoing' student who cares deeply for others. She had been eagerly anticipating her graduation in May and harboured ambitions to serve her country in the military thereafter. Her mother, Nora, voiced hope that Raven can still pursue this dream once she recovers, praising her daughter's 'incredible strength' in the face of such adversity.
Community Support Through Fundraising
To assist with mounting medical expenses and support the family during this crisis, a GoFundMe page has been established. Nora shared a series of poignant photos on the platform, including images of Raven in her hospital bed and the bullet hole that marred their home, aiming to rally community aid. As the investigation continues without breakthroughs, the fundraiser represents a crucial lifeline for a family confronting both physical recovery and emotional scars.
