Nationwide — Shamay Pitt, a 23-year-old African American mother from Dekalb County, Georgia, who miraculously survived being shot 10 instances, is now talking out publicly, hoping her story will assist shield different Black ladies dealing with intimate-partner violence. Shamay recounted the horrifying ordeal in an unique interview with WSBV TV‘s Audrey Washington, describing how an extraordinary dialog along with her ex-boyfriend spiraled right into a near-fatal assault. Her story comes at a time when home violence towards Black ladies is drawing renewed nationwide consideration, following a number of high-profile instances this 12 months involving brutal assaults, abductions, and lethal shootings.
Shamay advised reporters that on Nov. 2, her ex-boyfriend Joshua Woodruff requested to satisfy to “speak,” however the assembly took a violent flip virtually instantly. She stated an argument escalated right into a battle inside her automobile, and earlier than she may escape, Woodruff stepped again, stepped ahead, and commenced firing into her physique. “My ears are ringing, however I come into realization that he’s taking pictures at me,” she stated, describing how her imaginative and prescient blurred as she tried to know what was taking place. The sudden eruption of violence mirrors an alarming development nationwide the place Black ladies are disproportionately focused in intimate-partner assaults.
Bleeding closely and drifting out and in of consciousness, Pitt stated Woodruff compelled her into one other automobile and drove her throughout two counties — from Snapfinger Street in DeKalb County to Douglasville. In the course of the drive, she begged him to not let her die. “Simply lay me on the grass so I can breathe,” she pleaded. “I don’t wish to die on this automobile.” As an alternative of rendering assist, police say Woodruff continued driving for hours, delaying lifesaving medical care.
Ultimately, Shamay says Woodruff drove her to WellStar Douglas Hospital. Hospital workers and paramedics rushed her to Kennestone Hospital, the place trauma surgeons labored to save lots of her life. Again on the Douglas facility, safety officers detained Woodruff and notified police. The 25-year-old was charged with aggravated assault and false imprisonment. Authorities say further fees might comply with as investigators proceed reviewing proof.
Shamay’s survival comes as communities throughout the nation mourn different Black ladies who haven’t been as lucky. In current months, instances just like the deadly taking pictures of 21-year-old Ta’Kiya Younger in Ohio, the kidnapping and killing of 25-year-old Mahogany Jackson in Louisiana, and the brutal assault of a Detroit mom whose ex-boyfriend set her on fireplace have amplified requires stronger protections and early-intervention help for Black ladies dealing with threats from abusive companions. Advocates warn that many victims report not being believed, not being protected, or having their issues dismissed by each family members and legislation enforcement — a sample that locations them at increased threat.
At this time, she is recovering from her wounds — bodily, emotionally, and financially — whereas caring for her younger son, who she says is her supply of power. “He actually is my purpose,” she stated. A GoFundMe marketing campaign has been created to help along with her medical payments, trauma remedy, and long-term restoration wants. As she heals, Pitt says she’s dedicated to utilizing her voice to boost consciousness about home violence and to encourage ladies, particularly Black ladies, to belief their instincts, search assist early, and perceive that what occurred to her occurs much more typically than many individuals notice.
