Phoenix's father describes his road to recovery after being shot on the job

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A 19-year-old father shares his incredible story of survival and recovery He was shot on the job two months ago.

On Tuesday, Jamal Avery was released from rehab and reunited with his family.

“I’m grateful to God, just grateful that he brought me this far and that he allowed me to come back home,” Avery said.

He has been on the road to recovery since he was shot on September 1.

“I was shot in the shoulder. I got shot in the cheek and the bullet came out about here,” Avery said, pointing to his temple.

Avery also had part of his skull removed due to brain swelling.

The shooting happened while he and his boss, 48-year-old Alan Whitworth, were having a construction job in Phoenix near 39th Sreet and Thomas Road.

“A guy showed up with a gun and wanted to fight, but my boss was there and he intervened,” Avery said.

Police say Whitworth, who was engaged to Avery’s cousin, was shot and killed by 31-year-old Marquea Cato before Cato pointed the gun at Avery.

Avery’s wife, Letecia, witnessed the shooting while she was six months pregnant.

“I was terrified that I was going to lose the baby because I was so stressed at first that I had a lot of cramps,” Letecia said.

She said her unborn child is healthy and often kicks when Avery is around. Letecia believes the baby can sense his presence.

The suspect was arrested for weeks after the shooting.

Avery and Letecia are still hurting for Whitmore and his family.

“I hope he is saved so he can go to heaven. I hope he had God in his heart,” Avery said.

Avery also leans on his faith and family during his long road to recovery as he forces himself to walk, eat and regain full strength in his right arm.

“It feels pretty helpless, but I’m going to pray and hopefully it’s in God’s plans that I make a 100% recovery,” he said.

Avery cared for his wife and 2-year-old son. Because Avery couldn’t work, they lost their apartment and could lose their car.

They are staying with Letecia’s family because Avery goes to physical and speech therapy several times a week.

If you want to help the family, they have one GoFundMe page.

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