VENTURA : Boy Shot in Neck May Be Paralyzed

Parents of a boy shot in the neck were at a loss Thursday to explain why a neighbor allegedly forced his way into their home, chased the boy and shot him, possibly leaving the youth paralyzed.

Kevin Natale, 14, remains in the intensive care unit of Ventura County Medical Center with no feeling below his shoulders, said his father, Bob Natale of Davis. His alleged assailant, Brian Adams, 21, is in the Ventura County Jail after turning himself in.

The impact of the bullet fractured Kevin’s vertebral column, and the slug remains lodged in his shoulder, his father said. Doctors still don’t know if the boy will be paralyzed, he said.

“We’ll just have to wait and hope for the best,” Natale said.

Kevin and his best friend were playing video games alone in the family’s Ventura Keys home Wednesday evening, police said.

Police said Adams rang the bell, then forced the door open while brandishing a 9-millimeter handgun. He fired at least two shots as Kevin tried to run away, and his third shot hit Kevin in the neck, police said.

The shooting comes after an April incident in which Adams allegedly punctured the tires on a car belonging to Kevin’s family after Kevin accidentally hit Adams’ car with a baseball while playing catch with his stepfather, police said.

“I can’t believe (Adams) would hold a grudge for that long,” said Kevin’s father. “The attack appears to have come out of the blue. It definitely was unprovoked.”

Zevart Adams, the alleged assailant’s mother, said she was shocked by what happened.

“I knew nothing about any problems between the two,” she said. “I knew something happened a few months ago, but I can’t say anything more. I didn’t even know there was a gun in the house.”

Kevin’s father was optimistic that his son would soon be able to walk.

“He’s a real athletic kid,” he said while waiting for a doctor’s report.

Natale was joined at Kevin’s bedside by Kevin’s mother, sister, stepfather and grandparents. His grandfather is former Ventura County Sheriff John MacIntyre.

“We’ve had a lot of support,” he said. “I know it means a lot to Kevin.”