Family member speaks out after nephew was shot
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Good news about a young boy who was shot in Lackawanna County last month.
The 12 year-old, who sustained bullet wounds to the chest is now home and on the road to recovery.
His family calls it a miracle and 28/22 News reporter Gianna Galli sat down with his uncle this afternoon.
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Bentley Zippittelli is recovering from multiple gunshot wounds and a collapsed lung.
His uncle Robert Hares tells 28/22 News he suffers nerve damage, but is walking, talking and making progress in his recovery.
In this photo is a happy, healthy and hopeful young Bentley Zippitelli.
'He's funny. He's adorable at some times, but his love for the game of basketball. He actually sees himself going forward,' said Hares.
Bentley's uncle Robert Hares says now his nephew's dream has taken a major step backwards.
These pictures were taken before the 12 year-old was shot in the chest allegedly by a 14 year-old on Sunday April, 27.
It happened at the intersection of Susquehanna Avenue and Nestor Chylak Drive in Olyphant.
'I just remember getting a call from my sister that my nephew was shot,' recalled Hares.
'What went through your mind,' asked Galli.
'I was like please don't dies,' pleaded Hares.
Hares says Bentley suffers nerve damage, vivid dreams and anxiety from the traumatic experience.
When he finally woke up in the hospital, though, one thing was on his mind.
'Am I going to play basketball again? That was his question,' said Hares.
His uncle says his spirits are high, his physical health is doing well, but he gets nervous around groups of people.
He has a wheel chair to use when needed.
Hares says the family's medical bills are skyrocketing.
Pastor Jack Munley from Rescue and Restore Church has stepped in to help the family out.
He is hosting a 'Bbq Benefit,' to help raise money for Bentley, but Hares wants to see a lot more than that.
'I hope to see a community come together over gun violence and try to stop it,' stated Hares.
'Not everybody can survive gun violence, so with that being said, not only should you teach your kids not to play with guns, if you have a gun you should put it in a safe,' emphasized Hares.
This young boy, fortunately, making it out alive has a long road of recovery but his survival is already a win.
'Doctors didn't expect him to survive and it's a miracle that he did and its a blessing,' added Hares.
Three juveniles involved in the shooting, all under the age of 15 are in custody.
The alleged shooter is facing Attempted Murder, Aggravated Assault, and other related firearm charges.
Hares says Bentley has a dream to play basketball in the NBA.
If any local business are looking to provide food for the benefit, reach out to Pastor Jack Munley.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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