Woburn Man Shot In Neck Is Permanently Paralyzed: Family

WOBURN, MA — Jemil Evans is permanently paralyzed after being shot in the neck Saturday, according to a fundraiser posted by his family.

Police and family believe the shooting was accidental.

Police arrested Alec Augustino Braz, 22 of Woburn, Saturday and charged him with assault with a dangerous weapon and other charges.

"The investigation determined that Braz recently received his license to carry a firearm and was showing a new gun to friends inside a Mt. Pleasant Street home when it was unintentionally discharged, striking a 19-year-old Woburn man in the neck," police said Sunday.

According to the GoFundMe fundraiser, Evans had just returned to his hometown of Woburn after spending time with his dad and working in Maine. He was planning to spend time with his mom and to see friends.

"When he arrived at his friend's home, one of his friends was excited to show him his new gun as he just received his license to carry," organizer Rebecca Evans Andrade wrote. "This is the moment that tragically changed Jemil’s life forever."

According to Andrade, the bullet severed Evans's C6 vertebrae and other parts of his spinal cord.

"He is permanently paralyzed and will be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life," she wrote.

The family is looking for donations to help with medical costs, equipment and housing and "anything else Jemil may need to ensure he has the best quality of life possible, as he starts this new journey of recovery."

As of noon Tuesday, they have raised $6,745 of the $25,000 goal.

Braz was arraigned in Woburn District Court Monday on charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building and improper storage of a firearm.

Police seized a .40 caliber Smith and Wesson pistol and suspended Braz's license to carry, they said.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.