Online fundraiser benefits mother, son injured in shooting
While two teenagers await trial for their alleged role in a Greene County shooting last month, a GoFundMe page is raising money for the woman and her 2-year-old son who suffered gunshot wounds.
The fundraiser is organized by Mahala Yoak of Warren, Ohio, mother of Alexis Yoak, 25, and grandmother of Rashawn Currey, 2.
Alexis and Rashawn were shot July 13 while inside an apartment at Mountainview Gardens in Franklin Township. Charged are Darius Elijah Wolfe, 18, of Claysville, and Jeremy Scott Currey, 19, of Washington. Currey is Rashawn’s uncle, according to Mahala Yoak.
The toddler was struck in the right thigh, while his mother, who covered her child with her body to protect him, was shot in the face, losing vision in her left eye. Both were treated for their injuries at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, W.Va., and have since been released.
At a preliminary hearing last week, the shooting followed a dispute between Alexis Yoak and Jeremy Curry, according to testimony. Wolfe was ordered to stand trial on several charges including five counts of attempted homicide. Attempted homicide charges against Currey were dismissed, but he will face trial on charges of conspiracy to commit attempted homicide and conspiracy for aggravated assault.
Mahala was home in Ohio when the shooting occurred. Because July 14 was her birthday, she thought there was an innocent reason why she could not reach her family.
“In my mind, my sister is trying to sneak them to Ohio for my birthday,” Mahala said in an interview Monday.
Eventually, Mahala spoke with her son on the phone, who tearfully relayed what had happened. She spent the next hour-and-a-half not knowing if her daughter and grandson were still alive.
“I’m here with her now. I’ve been here with her since she got home from the hospital,” Mahala said.
According to Mahala, her daughter protected Rashawn by lying on top of him, which led to a bullet striking her eye.
“In all actuality, my daughter took that bullet for that baby … She should know what she did is an amazing thing,” Mahala said.
When Rashawn was able to see his mother again after a few days, Mahala said he ran to her.
“On his leg. That he was just shot through,” Mahala said. “It’s amazing to me. I’ve seen grown men in wheelchairs from being shot. I’m telling you, he hasn’t missed a beat. No stitches or anything.”
Alexis, who is expecting another child, needs to have her eye removed but will be required to wait to undergo the procedure until November after her child is born. Her mother hopes the GoFundMe page can assist with medical bills.
“Basically, I’m just trying to help her out financially … She has to get her prosthetic eye. I’m hoping she raises enough for that too,” Mahala said.
As of Monday afternoon, the GoFundMe had raised $923 of the $3,000 goal. The money will also go toward new furniture. Mahala said Rashawn’s bed was struck by bullets on July 13.
“She needs to get new furniture and a new bed for the baby,” Mahala said.
Both Wolfe and Jeremy Currey are scheduled to appear at the Greene County Courthouse for formal arraignment 1 p.m. Sept. 23.
To donate to the GoFundMe account, visit gofundme.com/f/support-alexis-and-her-son-after-tragic-shooting.