A mentally challenged man who was shot in the neck has been released from the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH).

James Elijio, 29, of Flamboyant Street, is recovering at his home with his family after he was shot by one of two men while he was going back into his house after urinating in the yard. The incident occurred about 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15.

A relative of Elijio’s said that he was released from the KHMH yesterday, but they are encountering some difficulties in caring for him at home, since one of his lungs is not functioning properly. Although the doctor strictly forbade Elijio to smoke, he smokes anyway, and resists their attempts to prevent him from doing so. They are, however, praying for his speedy recovery, the relative said.

Joseph Lopez, 19, and a 17-year-old male minor have been remanded to the Belize Central Prison on charges of attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm and dangerous harm. The motive for Elijio’s shooting is still unknown.

His father, James Elijio, Sr., said that his son is mentally challenged, but does not harass anyone and has not gotten into any conflicts, and therefore, they are at a loss as to why he was targeted and shot.