Erik Cantu’s family ‘overjoyed with progress’ as he returns home
Cantu was shot on October 2 while sitting in his car at a McDonald’s when now former police officer James Brennand approached his vehicle and shot him several times. Brennand was charged with two counts of felony aggravated assault by a peace officer. The teen’s family believes the fired officer profiled Cantu because he was Hispanic.
“Our family’s prayers have been answered, and we are incredibly grateful that our son Erik is home with us,” Cantu’s family said in a statement on Wednesday, November 23. “Erik still has a long road to recovery ahead of him but, we are overjoyed at his progress in the past two weeks. It means the world to us that we can spend Thanksgiving as a family outside of the hospital walls, where we have lived since Erik was horribly injured. We are thankful for many blessings this week – Erik’s strength, everyone who has supported us through Erik’s hospitalization, and the grace of God. Thank you.”
The teen’s GoFundMe page, operated by Cantu’s aunt Natalia Farias-Carranco and uncle Ruben Carranco, shared his family’s elation about having Erik home and thanked the more than 1,100 people who have donated toward Erik’s recovery.
“He is HOME! We took FAITH in the Lord and leaned on all your prayers to see this day!” Natalia wrote. “We didn’t know what the future held weeks back. Today we know with faith, prayers, family, love, amazing doctors and nursing staff along with tons of future rehabilitation, that our miracle stands a chance!! This is Erik’s miracle!”
The fundraiser has amassed more than $47,000 in donations as of Wednesday.
