Family of surviving teen in KU bar shooting says he was an innocent bystander
The parents of a 16-year-old injured in a shooting last weekend at a popular bar near the University of Kansas in Lawrence released a statement Monday saying the teen was an innocent bystander “caught in the middle of a senseless act of violence.”
Brady Clark was one of two teens who were shot around 2 a.m. Saturday near Jayhawk Cafe, 1340 Ohio St., known locally as “The Hawk.”
Clark was critically injured but survived. His friend, 18-year-old Aidan Knowles, died from his injuries.
“Our hearts are with his family as they grieve this unimaginable loss,” Clark’s parents said in their statement on Monday.
The family thanked law enforcement, paramedics and medical teams at Children’s Mercy and Lawrence Memorial.
“At this time, we respectfully ask for privacy as our family focuses on healing and supporting one another,” they said. “Thank you all for your continued prayers and support.”
A GoFundMe has been created for Clark to offset medical costs.
Father posted message about slain teen
Bobby Knowles, father of the 18-year-old victim, posted a statement on Facebook Sunday.
“We have learned that our son was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. We are completely devastated,” he wrote.
The Lawrence Police Department said in a previous media release that one suspect is being held on suspicion of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and aggravated assault.
A second suspect is being held on suspicion of felony murder and aggravated assault, police said. Two 18-year-old suspects have been booked into Douglas County jail, according to booking records.
The Star’s Kendrick Calfee and Eleanor Nash contributed.