Drive-by victim, 8, goes home
By Jean Torkelson, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published July 8, 2008 at 5:54 p.m.
Updated July 9, 2008 at 11:25 a.m.
Matt Mcclain / The Rocky
Third-grader Sierra Moore, with her father, Michael Moore, is the center of attention Tuesday - her second day home after being wounded in a drive-by shooting June 20. A bullet hit a rib, passed through a lung and exited her back. Her leg is bandaged because of a post-surgery blood clot.
She'd rather be cheerleading.
Or drawing.
Or swimming.
Instead, 8-year-old Sierra Moore is recovering - the unintended victim of a June 20 drive-by shooting that left her struggling for life on a sidewalk near Curtis Park.
Tuesday was her second day back at her home. The third-grader sat in her wheelchair under a huge front-yard shade tree with family all around and reporters leaning in with microphones and notepads.
She didn't like that very much.
"We're all pretty quiet," chuckled her dad, Michael Moore, as Sierra - called Ce Ce by her family - patiently endured a barrage of questions.
Later she was to visit her neighborhood cheerleading squad, which started practice this week without her. She also will miss a summer of swimming, her favorite sport. But her very favorite thing, drawing Bratz dolls - that she can do.
For Sierra, who dreams of being a teacher or doctor, the last three weeks have been painful.
What's the best thing that's happened this summer?
"Nothing," she said, in a sweet but firm voice.
And the worst?
"I got shot."
Her right leg is bandaged from a post-surgery blood clot. But what will keep her away from hopscotch and playgrounds for the next six months is the unseen wound.
It came from a bullet that went through her 47-pound body, hitting a rib, passing through a lung, and exiting her back.
Daniel Lujan, 20, and Victoria Esparza, 19, have been charged with six counts of attempted first- degree murder, child abuse and first-degree assault in connection with Sierra's shooting. Lujan allegedly fired multiple shots at people from a vehicle.
Sierra had been walking on a sweet summer night: "Me and my auntie were coming back from my friends," she explained. She remembers nothing else.
The little girl became an image of innocence struck by violence, the victim of a crime that Mayor John Hickenlooper went out of his way to decry.
On Tuesday, Sierra's father, a medical billing specialist, hovered around his only daughter, still astounded at her close call. "I've thought about it a million times, that it could have turned out so many other ways," he said.
As Sierra lay unresponsive, in a widening pool of blood, Denver police officer Dominick Salinas arrived and began CPR.
"Without officer Salinas, my daughter probably would have died," Moore said. "He had just returned from a tour of duty in Iraq and he knew what to do in those precious first few moments. His head was on straight. I've thanked him already, but I want to thank him again."
Sierra's mother is a little anxious about the shooting's possible aftereffects. "She's emotional like me," Wynisha Jones said.
But Sierra's grandmother, Debra Joseph, marveled at the resilient child: "She's got strong willpower," Joseph said. Then she confided that, at Sierra's bidding, Joseph had sneaked off Friday to the hospital parking lot to shoot off fireworks so the little patient could enjoy the holiday.
"Anything for Sierra," Joseph said. "And we thank God there are a lot more Fourth of Julys that she will be able to see."
torkelsonj@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5055
How to help Sierra
Two accounts have been set up for Sierra Moore:
* Chase Bank (any location in the Denver area)
Sierra Moore Trust Fund Account
Account # 2904202716
* TCF Bank (any location in the Denver area)
Sierra Moore Fund
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July 8, 2008
8:32 p.m.
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tchoupitoulas writes:
What a remarkable kid, and a thumbs up to Officer Salinas for doing what he did during this young girls time of need. I hope her summer ends on a much happier note than it began. Good luck and get well soon.
July 9, 2008
12:24 a.m.
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Voutyblonde writes:
Why does an eight-year-old have a manicure that includes full-length acrylic fake fingernails?
July 9, 2008
1:01 a.m.
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Finding_Forever writes:
Voutyblonde,
Anything for Sierra. Thank the Lord she has no memory of why she cant enjoy her childhood for six months. She cant cheer, swim or even play hopscotch so if she wants her nails done, she will get her nails done. Right now, what Sierra wants (within reason), Sierra gets.
July 9, 2008
3:34 a.m.
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LOUIE writes:
I never forgot when John Elway stepped up years ago and helped a family in a similar situation. He gave them a new vehicle to help them. I wish there were more corporations and private citizens of means that would find a place in thier hearts for lttle kids who innocently get caught up in the criminal acts of others. This is an awful thing for a little one to go through, glad to see her on the mend. It's no treat getting shot; hope the courts step up and burn the shooters for some serious time behind walls.
July 9, 2008
6:52 a.m.
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HollyGoLightly writes:
This family has a couple of young ladies that are strong and full of courage. The aunt was brave in the aftermath of the shooting as was the officer that performed CPR on Sierra. Thank God Sierra is on the road to recovery and neither girl was killed or any other innocent bystander. Best wishes to both girls and Officer Salinas!
July 9, 2008
7:15 a.m.
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MarineGrunt writes:
Recover quick, young lady!!
July 9, 2008
7:27 a.m.
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Desertrat writes:
Voutyblonde writes:
Why does an eight-year-old have a manicure that includes full-length acrylic fake fingernails?
It's a cultural thing. The same reason you smoke, carry a gun, and don't own a book.
July 9, 2008
7:27 a.m.
Suggest removal
1968camaro writes:
Yiota - this not all about race, there are many gangs that are different races out there that commit crimes such as these. The main thing is that this little girl is still alive and has a chance to live a normal life soon! So keep it directed towards the "Homecoming", of Sierra. They also have the two in custody and we all hope they receive what is coming to them. I'm Mexican American and very legal. But someone as yourself has to always point out the "Mexican" thing. So yes you are correct that someone would say something about it.
July 9, 2008
8:50 a.m.
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Dude writes:
WOW!!!!! what happened to Javon Walker in this pic? Looks bad.
July 9, 2008
9:25 a.m.
Suggest removal
LuckyMe writes:
Yiota,
"Your mayor claims to be getting tough on violence. If tha is true will he declare Denver to no longer be a sanctuary city?"
Since no one but the Mayor himself can answer your question, here is a website so you can ask him yourself. www.denvergov.org/mayor.
While I thank you for taking such a keen interest in our city, I have to ask if you are only concerned with people's legal status? After all, this article is about a sweet little girl that got shot and the aftermath of her ordeal.
July 9, 2008
9:52 a.m.
Suggest removal
LuckyMe writes:
Yiota,
I understand what you are getting at. You stated "Ill probably get the race card thrown at me for saying that but it is a legitimate question." I was helping you seek the answers to your question. You couldn't possibly think that 68camaro would have the answer to the question you asked, as he or she can't know what's inside the Mayor's mind. I posted the website in order to aid you in your quest. You don't need to apologize to me or anyone else. You said you had a legitimate question, and I thought you could use a legitimate answer from the man himself.
July 18, 2008
4:25 p.m.
Suggest removal
Voutyblonde writes:
Voutyblonde writes:
Why does an eight-year-old have a manicure that includes full-length acrylic fake fingernails?
Desertrat responds:
It's a cultural thing. The same reason you smoke, carry a gun, and don't own a book.
Voutyblonde's back atcha to Desertrat:
I do not smoke, do not carry a gun (my son the cop does, though), and I have a wall of books, more books all over my pad, and I own and use my library card. I also read five newspapers per day, both in hard copy and online. I have successfully handed those habits down to my children. Likewise, my children grew-up in East Denver when the Crips and Bloods were first emerging yet I did a fine job at keeping them as "kids" so they could have a childhood and mature onto be college grads and professional adults. Now just who told you I smoke, carry a gun, and I don't read books? What a schmuck.