Hi, my name is Gracie Capps. I am 16 years old and would like to ask you to please take a minute to hear my cousin Julian Stovall's (JuJu) story. We both live in the small town of Stovall, North Carolina.

On January 9, 2026, at 7:40 pm, while Julian, a friend of his, and his girlfriend were pulling into a local business, a previously long-time friend was pulling out at the same time. There was an exchange between the parties that resulted in Julian's friend being shot in the chest at point-blank range, later succumbing to his injuries on scene. As Julian turned to run away, he was shot in the back of the neck from only three feet away. His girlfriend was a witness to everything. She is with him now and has not left his side since this tragedy occurred. The cowardly decision that was made in that moment has taken the life of one, left another fighting for his life, and has changed the lives of countless others.

Once the first responders arrived and assessed him, Julian was life-flighted to Duke. They anticipate that his hospital stay will be for several months. The bullet was lodged in his C5 (in the lower part of the neck).

As a result of the shooting, he has been given a 99% chance of paralysis from the neck down. Currently, he has been intubated and on life support because his left diaphragm is in the up position, his lung has collapsed, and he has to use his stomach to breathe. Hopes are that he has time to rest so he can heal. Julian has a very long road ahead of him, including multiple surgeries and therapy. Julian walked across the stage the night before, accepted his diploma, and officially graduated from high school.

I am creating this GoFundMe for Julian and his family with the hopes of raising money to assist with medical expenses, loss of wages for missing work, living expenses, gas for the many trips that come from traveling to and from the hospital, also while trying to maintain your job and other family members. Any amount contributed is helpful and is greatly appreciated. Please pass along his story many times so his name will be said in prayer and he will rise up and recover stronger than ever.