LEXINGTON, KY. (LEX NEWS) — A deadly mass shooting during the annual East End Day community celebration at Charles Young Park in Lexington on August 15 left a teenager dead and several others injured, including then-4-year-old Khyser Taylor. More than a week later, Khyser is recovering at home and learning to walk again.
On Saturday, August 15, shots were fired and interrupted an event that typically brings together residents, also known as East End Day.
His mother, Omari Taylor, said the family had been at the event for only about half an hour when the shooting broke out.
"We heard like some commotion and they started fighting and we really didn't have no time to react and they started shooting," Omari said.
She said she quickly realized something was wrong with Khyser.
"He was laying down, and, um, he couldn't move because I was trying to get him up so he couldn't move and he had told me that his leg," Omari said.
She said she felt helpless, but people nearby stepped in to help.
"I felt, um, defeated really, um, but a lot of people from the community, they had came and they had helped Kaiser and put pressure on him and try to keep me as calm I guess as they could," Omari said.
The days that followed were among the hardest for the family.
"The first couple of days was like, um, he was in a lot of pain. He was, he was scared to walk for the most part," Omari said.
Khyser has since made progress, though his recovery is ongoing.
"He can't really run and he can't, he can't fully move to his full extent, but he's able to walk so that definitely makes us feel a lot better," Omari said.
A bullet fragment remains in Khyser's leg. Doctors say it may be removed later on.
Khyser celebrated his fifth birthday this weekend. Omari said the day looked a little different, but her son's spirit remained strong.
"He is so strong and resilient and I think he has um a lot of good things in store for him like because especially because he's a survivor like he was he took that better than me and he was in high spirits the whole time," Omari said.
As for Khyser, he had a message of his own.
"Hey, thank you everyone," Khyser said.
Omari said she is grateful for the continued support the community has shown her family as Khyser's recovery continues.
Ana Medina is committed to covering stories in your community that matter to you. If you have an idea, reach out to her at ana.medina@wlex.tv
