Boy injured in deadly drive-by shooting last month remains hospitalized

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Manuel Jimenez is relishing in the time spent with his parents and siblings, even if it's still in his hospital room.

"Really lucky," said the 11-year-old in a hushed voice.

Almost a month ago, Manuel, along with his 6-year-old brother Moises, were shot as they slept. It was a drive-by shooting. Police said retaliation against two of their older brothers may be the motive. Moises died, and Manuel remembers waking up in pain.

"When I woke up, I felt pain on my chest, and I tried to look for what hit me, and there was just blood dripping everywhere," he said.

Several surgeries later, Manual's physically doing much better. The scar on his chest is still visible. He's currently recovering at a children's rehabilitation hospital. His mother, Elizabeth Garcia, is never far from his side.

"We're always so close," said Garcia. "Everywhere we go we'd go together. I think that's the hardest part, because I know one of my children is missing."

Police have charged two men, Oscar Ollervides and Alexis Cuapio, with murder. Both men are out on bond. That makes Garcia angry.

"He took my son's life and I don't think he deserves to be out," she said.

But the family has more pressing issues. Manuel should be released from the hospital in two weeks, and his mom is trying to find a new place for the family to live. The fifth grader is eager to get back to a normal life, though it will never be the same.

"Imagining not seeing my brother no more, that's the hardest," Manuel said.