Latest update April 3rd, 2026 12:35 AM
Bullet now lodged near shot teen waitress’ spine
Onika Luke, the 16 year-old school girl who was shot in the face by a gunman during a robbery at an East Coast Demerara restaurant is in a stable condition although doctors have still been unable to remove a bullet lodged near her spine.
This is according to her brother, Wendell Ranjee, who spoke briefly on his sister’s condition with this newspaper on Saturday.
Ranjee said her condition has improved, but the operation has been delayed because doctors said that the bullet has moved from Luke’s neck to an area near her spine.
Because of this, Ranjee said that doctors told him that it would be dangerous to perform the surgery, because it would put her life at risk.
“The bullet has moved from her neck and gone by her spine. Doctors say it is a very dangerous area. Any operation on her would be risky they said,” Ranjee disclosed.
The sibling said that the injured teen is still unable to eat and breathe on her own. However, he said that she is now talking and doctors are waiting for her to recover in full before they operate.
Two weeks ago, one of the teenager’s relatives had told this newspaper that the bullet passed through Luke’s windpipe and esophagus, causing damages to both organs.
Onika Luke sitting on her bed with her aunt fixing her hair, while her mother stands to the right
The relative related that this was the reason for doctors postponing surgery.
Luke, of Lot 1 Vryheid Lusts, East Coast Demerara was shot on May 28, by a man who had visited the Lucky Start located at Better Hope, East Coast Demerara restaurant to order a meal.
While paying for the meal, the man grabbed Luke, who was behind some grill work and pointed a firearm at her while demanding cash. When she resisted, he shot her in the face and escaped.
The bullet passed through her chin and was lodged in her throat at the time she was admitted to the hospital. Her left thumb was also shot off.
The teen attends the St. John’s College and had been working part time at the restaurant after school hours.
Police are still to find the gunman as investigations continue.
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