BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — An East Community High School student is recovering at Oishei Children's Hospital after he was assaulted by a group of teenagers at MLK Park in Buffalo Tuesday.
According to a Buffalo police report, Xavier Sears, 15, was assaulted by unknown individuals at the park around 3 p.m.
Sears was taken to the hospital to be treated for a broken clavicle and head injury.
Sears' family wants answers as the attack was recorded on cell phone video and witnessed by more than a dozen people.
"So many children were in that situation, all in the altercation," said Sean Neal, Xavier's father. "The children, laughing and making jokes about it, walked away and left him there. I don't understand how you'll sit there and do something like that and not think to yourself, what if that was your little brother or sister?"
Xavier's friends and family have brought him posters and cards from his classmates.
But the reality has set in for his father and mother that he may never be the same.
"He has been in and out of consciousness, and I know he can talk when he can. He has feeling back in the left side of his body, but he has bleeding in the left side of his brain," said Neal.
Xavier needs help eating and getting to the bathroom, but it isn't just the broken bones his family worries about.
"We don't know if he can walk again, this kid, all he wants to do is be a kid," said April Finn, Xavier's aunt. "Broken bones can heal, but he is going to endure this trauma for the rest of his life."
Amy Neal, Xavier's mom, is asking anyone who knows who did this to her son to come forward.
"I just want justice for my son, I really do," said Amy.
Buffalo Councilwoman Zeneta Everhart, who chairs the Education Committee, sent this statement:
“I am deeply saddened to learn about the brutal attack on a young boy at Martin Luther King, JR. Park yesterday. As a mother and the Council Woman of this district, I unequivocally condemn this violence. As the Chair of the Education Committee it has been my mission to address these issues and this disgusting display of violence only underscores my commitment to do more for our youth. Teen violence is a pressing crisis in our City that we must address together. My thoughts and prayers are with the family of this young boy during this incredibly difficult time. I am in touch with both the family and Buffalo Police Commissioner Gramaglia as the investigation unfolds. We need to stand united as a community to ensure the safety of our children and work towards preventing such incidents in the future.”
A spokesperson for the Buffalo Public School District released the following statement to 7 News:
“This is a community crisis, and the whole community must become part of the solution because this type of senseless violence has no place in our community. The district is actively assisting the Buffalo Police Department’s investigation of a horrific assault that took place after school in MLK Park so those responsible can be held legally accountable. Superintendent Dr. Williams Knight is fully aware of the assault that occurred in MLK Park yesterday afternoon and is appalled! Therefore, the district will take the strongest actions possible against the alleged perpetrators. As this was a targeted assault, the district once again urges students that if they see or hear something, to say something. We send our heartfelt best wishes for a quick recovery to the victim and the family. Superintendent Dr. Williams Knight will be reaching out to the victim’s family.”
On Thursday Buffalo police announced they identified three suspects in the attack, one 16-year-old and two 17-year-olds. The 16-year-old has been arrested and they are still searching for the two 17-year-olds.
If you want to help the family, you can donate to their GoFundMe here.
