Family and friends of a man who was shot during a burglary at his Chenault Road home earlier this week say he has exceeded doctors’ expectations.
Marcus “Marco” Kauffman, 25, was shot in the back of the head Monday morning as he and his wife, Maryann, were returning home around 10:15. Their home, located in western Rowan County, had been ransacked and items had been taken.
Those who know the couple have said when they arrived home they found a man standing outside a car with the hood up. Marcus asked the man if he needed help, but the man did not respond. Marcus felt uneasy and took Maryann to the home of someone whom the couple trusted, who lived close. The couple are expecting their first baby in February.
Marcus returned to the home and shortly after Maryann heard multiple gunshots.
Someone had shot through the back window of Marcus’ Acura, which struck a tree at the end of a nearby corn field. He was airlifted to Carolinas Medical Center where he’s since undergone emergency surgery.
A Facebook page, Praying for Marco, was created Monday and has included a number of updates and an account of what occurred Monday morning.
On Wednesday morning, Kauffman’s father, David, whose known as DK, posted on the Facebook page to say the doctor “feels like Marco is turning a corner and that at this point it’s safe for him to say that Marco will pull through.”
Marcus remains critical, but is stable. His father went on to say via Facebook the doctor sees “no other issues except the damage caused by the bullet, which could likely affect left side motor skills.”
According to the Facebook page, the two areas in Marcus’ brain that were damaged from the bullet could potentially affect his long term vision on the right side and motor skills on his left side.
Joe Byler, who attends the same church — Cleveland Believer’s Fellowship — as the couple, says he’s known Marcus for nine years and Maryann for two.
“They are a very active and sweet couple,” Byler said.
He said is the kind of person who would “always do something to help somebody.”
Marcus and Maryann are a part of a prison ministry and were to accompany the rest of their church on a trip to Florida Wednesday.
Byler said he was able to spend some time with Marcus and his family, who have been constantly by his side.
“They are doing very well under the circumstances,” he said.
Maryann’s family, who are from Georgia, have also been at the hospital.
“Marco’s condition has improved quite a bit since last evening. It sounds like he’s doing better than doctor’s expected. We are thankful for that,” Byler said.
He said the family credits God with bringing Marcus this far and are thankful to the many people near and abroad who have said a prayer as he recovers.
The Cleveland Police Department along with the Cleveland Fire Department will collect money Saturday at the Cleveland Christmas Parade.
Police Chief David Allen said members of each department will be on hand before, during and after the parade, which starts at 2 p.m. at Main and Depot streets in front of Cleveland Barber Shop, collecting donations.
Both Cleveland Fire and Police responded to the scene the day of the shooting and “would like to do something to assist them,” Allen said.
He said all of the money will go to the family to help pay for related expenses.
Friends have also set up a PayPal account via the “Praying for Marco” Facebook page to help assist the family with expenses.
Investigators are seeking information on a teal or blue-colored car, possibly a Pontiac, which may have been broken down or appeared to be broken down in the area. The vehicle was operated and occupied by at least one black male, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Investigators ask anyone who may have traveled Chenault Road on Monday between 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. to contact Lt. Chad Moose at 704-216-8687 or Sgt. Jason Owens at 704-216-8683. The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this crime.
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.