Shot teen waitress suffering from respiratory complications

Onika Luke, the 16-year-old student who was shot while working as a waitress at a Chinese restaurant, has been discharged from the hospital but is now faced with respiratory complications.

Onika Luke
Onika Luke

Rickford Ranjee, one of Luke’s brothers, told Stabroek News that doctors have been unable to remove the bullet which is lodged in her chest. He noted because of that, his sister has been experiencing complications when she breathes.

He stated that as recently as last Wednesday, the family had to rush her to the hospital since she was finding it difficult to breathe. He said this week she is expected to meet with a doctor, who would determine the way forward.

Luke was working at the Lucky Star Chinese Restaurant at Better Hope when she was shot.

The police, in a statement on the shooting, had said Luke was on duty when a man entered the restaurant and ordered a meal. “…While paying for the meal, the man held on to the hands of Luke, who was behind some grill, pulled out a firearm and demanded cash. Luke resisted and was shot to her chin by the man who escaped,” the police added.

As a result of being shot to the chin, a bullet was lodged in her throat. Doctors at Georgetown Public Hospital attempted to treat the inflammation to the throat, which resulted in the bullet moving.