A 23-year-old mother in Atlanta is turning her pain into a warning for others after surviving a brutal domestic violence attack that left her paralyzed in parts of her body and confined to a wheelchair.
Shamay Pitt is still recovering physically and emotionally after police say she was allegedly shot multiple times by her ex-boyfriend during a November confrontation.
‘Someone I Thought Would Keep Me Safe’
Pitt said the person she once trusted became the source of unimaginable harm.
“Someone who I thought would keep me safe ended up being the person who really hurt me,” she said.
According to an incident report, Pitt met her ex-boyfriend at a DeKalb County apartment complex to talk. Authorities say when she tried to leave, the suspect — identified as 25-year-old Joshua Woodruff — allegedly shot her repeatedly at close range while she sat in her car.
Pitt said she suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to her spine, arm, and leg.
“My arm has a rod in it now,” she Atlanta News First, adding that nerve damage has left parts of her body without feeling.
Driven for Hours After Shooting
After the shooting, Pitt said the suspect allegedly entered the driver’s seat and drove her around for nearly two hours while she pleaded for help.
“I don’t want to die in this car,” she recalled thinking during the ordeal.
She said he eventually drove her to a hospital, where doctors discovered shattered bones and extensive internal injuries.
Authorities say Woodruff is currently being held in jail on obstruction charges as the investigation continues.
Recovery and Trauma
More than a month after the incident, Pitt remains unable to walk and continues to experience psychological trauma.
She said therapy has helped her cope with feelings of guilt and shock.
“I started to blame myself for a lot,” she said.
Turning Pain Into Awareness
Now, Pitt is using her story to warn other women about the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of recognizing warning signs early.
“I pray for women,” she said. “I pray that they see this and they take this as a sign to get away.”
Her family has launched a fundraiser through GoFundMe, and a community benefit event is also being organized to help cover medical and recovery costs.
