Parents of student who was shot thank his friend who didn’t survive for saving their boy
By Lisa Crane
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PLEASANT GROVE, Alabama (WVTM) — Many folks in Pleasant Grove are feeling a bit somber after a double shooting over the weekend involving two high school seniors. One died from his injuries; the other is recovering at UAB Hospital.
Birmingham police say Brandon Campbell was killed when someone shot into the car he was in. Investigators are still looking for the person responsible.
Seventeen-year-old Sam Slaughter and 18-year-old Brandon Campbell were best friends. Sam’s parents say they were closer than brothers.
The Pleasant Grove High School seniors were shot repeatedly Saturday night in their car — Brandon in the driver’s seat and Sam in the passenger’s seat.
Brandon died from his injuries, Sam survived. Two bullets went through his right arm, and one in his stomach.
His mother, Lashunda Jackson, said, “Where the bullet went through his stomach, came out through his back. It didn’t hit his spine. It didn’t hit his heart. It was inches away from those both. He could have been paralyzed or gone.”
As Sam’s parents stay by his side at UAB Hospital, they’re thankful he’s alive, but they’re also mourning the loss of another boy, one they considered family.
Samuel Slaughter said, “He wasn’t my son, but he was my son. When I told him I loved him the last time I saw him, I meant that.”
The double shooting has hit the Pleasant Grove community hard. Crystal Dunn owns a food truck. Her daughter goes to school with the victims, and her husband is a Birmingham police officer who responded to the shooting scene.
“We need all the prayers and the love and words of encouragement. If you see our kids out, you know, hug them a little bit tighter for us. Because they need it,” she said.
Police say that as someone was shooting into the boys’ car, Brandon drove almost a mile before crashing into a tree. Sam’s parents say that the tree was in front of Sam’s cousin’s house.
He now has a message for Brandon.
“I know you would never hear these words. Well, Brandon, I really appreciate what you did. You used the moments that you had left in order to save your friend, to save your brother,” he said.
Slaughter’s parents say he’s scheduled to have surgery Tuesday morning. Birmingham officers say if you have any information that may help their investigation, call them or Crimestoppers.
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