Shooting victim doing 'remarkably well' after three brain surgeries

The neurosurgeon who performed emergency brain surgeries on a 30-year-old woman seriously injured in a shooting Monday said she has come out of the surgery well and was able to communicate with family members Wednesday evening.

Dr. Joel Ray said Kristina Bosco underwent three brain surgeries at Saint Francis Medical Center as result of the shooting, one to treat injuries caused by an entry wound at the front of her head, one to relieve the pressure on her brain and one to remove bullet fragments from the back of her head.

In the emergency room Monday, Bosco suffered a hernia, or a protrusion of tissue, due to brain swelling and slipped into a coma.

The surgeries took several hours, but by Tuesday, Bosco was able to move her limbs in response to commands when conscious, Ray said.

To allow her to rest and recover, she was placed on a ventilator and medicated, so she was not conscious for part of the day Tuesday.

Though her condition remains extremely critical, she's doing "remarkably well," Ray said.

"There's hope for her to have a life," he said.

Police haven't determined how many times Bosco was shot, but she suffered injuries to her hand and head after her stepfather, Donnie R. Newell, 45, allegedly shot her at close range with a small-caliber pistol before turning the gun on himself.

Newell was pronounced dead Monday afternoon at the scene, a residence at 281 Tecumseh Lane in Cape Girardeau County.

Bosco's family has stayed at her side since Monday and has offered tremendous support, Ray said.

"Right now, she is showing signs that are vibrant," he said. "We're doing everything in our power to save her life."

bdicosmo@semissourian.com

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