Gabriel Lekron Recovers After Stray Bullet Strikes Him in West Wichita Home
A west Wichita man is speaking out nearly a week after a stray bullet crashed through his bedroom window and struck him in the face during an early-morning after-party.
Gabriel Lekron and his wife, Mariela Lekron, were asleep in their home on the morning of October 31 when a loud disturbance at Naiman’s Clubhouse disrupted the neighborhood. Located near the intersection of Maple and West, the venue hosted an after-party that drew gunfire, according to reporting by KWCH.
Police officers responded to the scene just after 3:40 a.m. and discovered that 36-year-old Gabriel Lekron had sustained a gunshot wound inside his own residence.
36-year-old Gabriel Lekron was asleep in his west Wichita home on Halloween when he woke up to the sound of gunshots. When he looked out his window, he was hit in the face by a stray bullet. Nearly a week later, no arrests have been made. Story at the link in our bio. pic.twitter.com/rKIGjpVvm0
We thought someone was trying to break into the house,
Mariela Lekron told KWCH, describing how someone was kicking and pounding loudly on their back door.
When Gabriel looked out of his bedroom window to check the source of the noise, a bullet entered through the glass and struck him in the face. Mariela recalled that her husband stumbled out of bed with his mouth full of blood. While they successfully transported him to the hospital, the initial moments brought immense fear.
I did not think he was gonna make it,
Mariela said. To think I’d have to live life without my partner, and tell my one-year-old his dad’s not here… My husband is my life. I can’t live without my husband.
Mariela believes her husband survived only because he turned toward the window just as the shot came through. Gabriel acknowledged that he is fortunate to be alive.
I’m just grateful to be here. I’ve seen so many people that weekend that were victims of gun violence,
Gabriel said.
The Investigation and Community Response in Wichita
The shooting on October 31 extended beyond the Lekron household. Three other individuals walked into Wichita hospitals that same morning suffering from gunshot wounds, bringing the total number of victims to four from the large west Wichita after-party.
Nearly a week after the incident, the Wichita Police Department reported that no arrests have been made and no new information is available regarding the suspects. The investigation remains ongoing.
Despite the lingering questions and the trauma of the event, Gabriel expressed deep gratitude for the support he has received from the surrounding area.
I just wanna say from the bottom of my heart, I appreciate our community for coming forward,
Gabriel said. I appreciate the churches and my kid’s school. This has been the hardest week of my life and your support has kept me going.
As the investigation continues, the Lekron family remains focused on recovery while local authorities search for answers regarding the gunfire that penetrated a residential neighborhood.
