Teen Survives Shooting, Family Wonders Why No Charges Have Been Filed

An Oilton teen says he's lucky to be alive after being shot in the head. Police say it appears to be an accident, but the teen and his family say otherwise. It's been almost a year since the

Wednesday, May 23rd 2007, 5:00 pm

By: News On 6

An Oilton teen says he's lucky to be alive after being shot in the head. Police say it appears to be an accident, but the teen and his family say otherwise. It's been almost a year since the shooting happened in the small town west of Mannford. It nearly killed Shane Sawyer, and the family says itâ€™s frustrated that nothing has been done. News On 6 anchor Latoya Silmon reports Shane says he can't remember much, but he knows it wasn't a harmless accident

Shane Sawyer has spent the last year just trying to survive. He says his left arm is paralyzed, his balance is off and he has brain damage.

"Learning to do everything all over again was the hardest I'd say," said shooting victim Shane Sawyer.

Shane says his nightmare began June 8, 2006. He and two of his friends were staying in a shed.

"Went in and told my mom and dad I love them, went back out there, seen a flash of my gun and woke up in the hospital," Sawyer said.

Shane says one of his friends shot him right between his eyes.

"It's hurt my family. My mom and dad had to watch them revive me three different times," he said.

â€œIt's Godâ€™s work only. The doctor says that wasn't me, I can't take the credit for it,â€ Shaneâ€™s dad George Sawyer said.

But instead of fully concentrating on Shane's recovery, they say they've had to battle the legal system. No charges have been filed in the case.

"I just don't see that justice is being done in anyway, because they've had a year and they've still not filed it with Creek County,â€ George Sawyer said. â€œIt's like they're trying to keep it in town or something so it will go away."

But Oilton Police Chief George Hensley says the case is still under investigation, but so far there's no evidence to corroborate Shane's story, and they haven't found probable cause. The chief says the case has also taken time, because until Shane was well enough to speak there were no accusations or evidence of foul play.

For this family though, it's not enough. They want answers now. But like Shane's recovery that may take a while, and the Sawyer's say they may explore other legal options. In the meantime, Shane plans to volunteer at the hospital, and he wants to become a youth minister.

Watch the video: Teen Shot In The Head Survives