Construction worker shot in Phoenix begins long journey to recovery

PHOENIX – The family of a construction worker who was shot while repairing a fence in Phoenix said the teen has a long road to recovery.

A little more than a month after the shooting that seriously injured 19-year-old and killed 48-year-old Alan Whitworth, Jamal Avery’s wife and mother spoke to ABC15. Jamal’s family is asking the community for help as the young father has been moved to a rehabilitation facility.

“It was terrifying,” said Jamal’s wife, Letecia Avery. “That wasn’t to be expected.”

Letecia described the day her husband was shot while working on a fencing project in Phoenix with Whitworth, his cousin’s fiancé.

“It was pointless,” Letecia said. “He completely went away. Could have stayed away and still come back.”

Letecia said she was near 40th Street and Thomas Road waiting for her husband to finish work when the shooting occurred. Whitworth died at the scene, while Jamal was critically injured.

“Then the hospital stay is also very stressful,” said Letecia. “I don’t know if he would be okay.”

And all this while investigators searched for a shooter for over two weeks. Ultimately, Phoenix police arrested Marquea Cato.

At his first appearance in court, prosecutors explained the allegations against the 31-year-old.

“He got into a verbal argument with one of the victims and threatened to get a gun and shoot him,” the prosecutor said. “He left the scene and returned shortly afterwards with a weapon. The second victim intervened and Mr. Cato shot him and then shot the first victim multiple times.”

Cato shook his head at times in court.

“I don’t want to incriminate myself, but what you just said is just not entirely true,” Cato said.

Cato has now been charged with multiple charges, including first-degree murder.

“Completely relieved,” Letecia said. “I’m glad he was arrested. I’m glad the charges are only against him.”

But they know nothing will bring Whitworth back. After being shot multiple times and even falling into an induced coma, Jamal faces a long road to recovery.

Letecia shared a new video showing the 19-year-old learning to walk again after being transferred to a rehabilitation facility last week. The teenager, a father with a second child on the way.

“He used to work 12-hour shifts and stuff like that, six days a week,” said Jamal’s mother, Lyzbeth Bandera. “He did.”

As medical and everyday costs rise, the family is asking the community for support. They updated a fundraiser they first posted after the shooting.

“I think my son is just a miracle and he just keeps getting better,” Bandera said.

Cato has pleaded not guilty. He is still in custody and is being held on a $2 million bond.