VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Nearly one week after a stray bullet struck him in the head, 8-year-old Landyn Davis of Virginia Beach is making progress in the hospital.
The boy opened his eyes on Monday, a family friend told 13News Now.
Following the shooting last Tuesday night, Landyn's parents said doctors placed him in a medically induced coma.
Landyn remains heavily sedated, according to a family friend, who added that a CT scan showed his brain is stable.
"He is such a sweet, sweet boy. It's such a tragedy that this has happened to him," said friend Kym Tatom.
Landyn, a third grader, became an unintentional target while innocently playing video games inside his home on Peele Court. A stray bullet struck him in the back of his head.
Loved ones are planning to come together for a prayer circle outside the Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters (CHKD) at 7 p.m. Monday. People attending cannot bring candles, however, they're encouraged to bring posters or stuffed animals.
"It's been amazing what everybody has done for the family," said Jason Ferry, another friend of the family.
Ferry is organizing a fundraiser to benefit the family. It will take place at Pups and Pints in Virginia Beach from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday.
"We have two bounce houses, two DJs, we have three food trucks, we have tons of raffle prizes from gift cards to shirts and hats," Ferry said.
He added that several businesses have generously chipped in to make the fundraiser a success. Any business owner interested in donating can directly message Ferry on Facebook.
Tatom said she and a friend, Emmy Sharrow, wanted to show Landyn's dad, Steve Davis, and mom, Emily Rigsby, love by making t-shirts that say #LandynStrong.
"[Emily Rigsby] posted it and it has gone viral," said Tatom.
With Sharrow's help through her business Crafting Happily Ever After, Tatom is selling each t-shirt for $25. She said all proceeds are going to the family.
If you would like to order one, you can direct message Tatom on Facebook. Tatom also plans to sell the shirt during Saturday's fundraiser at Pups and Pints.
Additionally, they're available for pick-up locally or ship if the person buying is out-of-state, for example.
"We will continue to support the family any way we can," said Tatom.
Landyn and the Davis family also love motorcycles. Friends are actively planning a benefit ride sometime soon.
There is also an online fundraising page garnering tens of thousands of dollars for medical and associated expenses.
Furthermore, Virginia Beach police detectives hope a hefty cash incentive can help them find the shooter or shooters in Landyn's case.
Members of Virginia Beach Crime Solvers raised the reward for information leading to an arrest to a max of $5,000.