VINDICATE NATE [GUNSHOT WOUND SURVIVOR WRONGFULLY CHARGED]
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Who this will help
Hello everyone, I am starting this fundraiser due to the lack of funds for my medical procedures as well as lawyer fees and daily needs.
My name is Nathan Stevens and I am 27 years old. I am blessed to be the father of three amazing children. I was born and raised and still currently reside in Kalamazoo, Michigan. I am a tattoo artist, I owned Triple Seven Tattoo Studio which is now closed due to the terrible event that occured on April 16th 2022.
I suffered from 9 gunshot wounds, blunt force trauma to the neck, face and ribs. I ended up in a coma for months. I am now permanently disabled. My arm was severely damaged from one of the gunshots causing me to lose the use of my hand. My abdomen and chest suffered from multiple shots requiring several surgeries. I have learned to walk with a cane. I was in the ICU on life support for 3 months.
While my surgical wound was still open and I was awaiting a long healing process, I was taken to Van Buren County Jail.
Within 2 weeks of my 6 month incarceration period, due to the unsanitary conditions of being in a county jail, I developed another infection. Those 6 months without my necessary medical devices, medications, occupational therapy and physical therapy resulted in more medical issues.
WRONGFULLY CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED M****R. NOW CHARGES DISMISSED, IM STRUGGLING to rebuild my life for my 3 amazing KIDS. TRIPLE SEVEN TATTOO STUDIO is closed because I am now DISABLED FOR LIFE and I have spent THE LAST 2 YEARS fighting to prove my innocence. I AM IN NEED OF LEGAL REPRESENTATION TO GET RESTITUTION FOR THE HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE THAT HAS DRASTICALLY IMPACTED MY PHYSICAL HEALTH AND MY ENTIRE LIFE. MY WHOLE FAMILY HAS SUFFERED, INCLUDING MY INNOCENT CHILDREN. THE NEWS LISTED ME as the only SUSPECT when the guy who SH*T me sh*t 3 other people. He was not charged with assault on any of us. Now that my charges are dismissed as it was self defense, I’m wondering why the state didn’t charge anyone else? I WAS SH*T 9 times ST0MPED OUT AND BEAT IN THE HEAD WHILE I WAS ON THE GROUND. I only hit the dude who sh*t me once in return fire. I think we know there IS a REASON why I got charged instead of the people who attacked me, maybe it’s the fact that I’m the only one that’s not white. MAYBE. They definitely yelled that HARD R while they were stomping me out. Maybe it’s because the guy who shot me is a CONFIDENTIAL INFORMANT ? MAYBE. Maybe just maybe the OWNER of the BAR is friends with the detective? That would be weird. Maybe the detective is on the record testifying about the fact he didn’t get a subpoena for the cameras facing DIRECTLY where the SHOOTER was because the bar owner said “ they weren’t working” all 7 cameras weren’t working? That’s strange. NOTHING MAKES SENSE. They made me look like a crazy person in the NEWS. They even used MY MUGSHOT for the guy who shot me when he got federally indicted for 2 COUNTS OF FELON in POSSESSION OF A FIREARM. THE SHOOTER WAS ALSO ON METH, FENTANYL AND COCAINE!
Why I'm fundraising
I am unable to pay for the necessary medical procedures that my insurance will not cover. I have no way to make money now that I'm disabled. I have filed for disability but it is a long process. I also need to be able to retain an attorney for the civil proceedings. I am suffering constantly, unable to get my surgery done for my hernias and gastric issues. The lack of use in my hand will be permanent but I need to try to get these procedures done and do my best to get healthier in order to raise my children who depend on me, my oldest child is 7 years old. My youngest is only 3 years old. I have 3 hernias splitting through the center of my stomach making it impossible to lift anything heavy or even hold my babies. Medicaid is not covering my procedures that my doctor has ordered.
While I was on life support for months in a coma, I lost my apartment, my tattoo shop, and my vehicle. I have had to sell everything I own.
I am waiting on disability still it is a long process.
My 4 year old daughter and my 3 year old son are with me everyday and depend on me. I get diapers from the church and utilize the food pantries as much as possible but we have absolutely no income. We are struggling every day financially even with the essentials like toilet paper, laundry detergent, bath soap, shampoo, etc.
The impact of your support
The funds donated will be used for my necessary medical procedures, to retain counsel to get justice from this horrible event that led to my incarceration and prolonged unnecessary suffering as well as household necessities for me and my children. Anything is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Organizer
Nathan Stevens
Organizer
Kalamazoo, MI