Jun 19, 2008 6:54 am US/Eastern
Student Recovering After H.S. Graduation Shooting
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
A Philadelphia teen has been released from the hospital after being shot just minutes after his high school graduation commencement concluded.
The shooting happened outside the Liacouras Center on the campus of Temple University in North Philadelphia at about 4:20 p.m. Tuesday. Shots rang out while family and friends were gathering to congratulate the graduates from Strawberry Mansion High School.
Police said two rival groups at the school were involved in an altercation outside when an unknown gunman fired two shots into the crowd.
"We believe that the fight is a result of an ongoing dispute between two groups of Strawberry Mansion students and it culminated here today," said Capt. Laurence Nodiff.
According to police, 18-year-old Khiry Caldwell, who had just received his diploma, was shot once in the back. He was rushed to Temple University Hospital where he was treated and released just before 4 p.m. Wednesday.
"Whoever would do something like that in a crowd of women, men, children, people just celebrating something so positive, people need to pray for them because they need guidance," Khiry's mother Kathy Caldwell said.
Family members said he suffered a cracked rib, bruised lung and the bullet is still lodged inside his body, but was doing well.
"I don't believe in luck, I'm just happy to be alive, that's all, the Lord is on my side," Khiry said to a group of reporters shortly after being released from the hospital.
Officers took five people into custody for questioning at Broad Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue, but they have since been released.
Investigators said they are reviewing surveillance footage from businesses in the area and Temple University to assist in the investigation.
So far, no charges have been filed and the incident remains under investigation.
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