College quarterback paralyzed after shooting at popular Salisbury restaurant

SALISBURY, N.C. — A local college quarterback left paralyzed after a shooting in which at least six people were wounded during a party Saturday at a Salisbury restaurant is still in the hospital, but officials said he was in good spirits.

Livingstone College officials discussed the shooting at a local restaurant that left Ryan Williams, who was shot in the chest, paralyzed.

Five other Livingstone students were wounded, and two of them were Williams’ teammates, according to police. The players were identified as Juwan Funderburk, 22, a junior linebacker, and Darryel Georn Bethune Jr., 22, a senior running back. A statement from the school said it didn’t sponsor the party.

They were at Thelma’s Down Home Cooking in Salisbury for a party and just after midnight, police said a fight broke out and someone opened fire.

Six people were shot, three others were injured as people rushed out of the building. Three students from Catawba College, which is also in Salisbury, were also injured in the incident, police said.

Officials at Livingston said this week has been tough for everyone.

"It’s one of the most challenging situations I’ve been faced with at the collegiate level,” said athletic director Lamonte J. Massie-Sampson.

In a news conference, police said they hadn’t made any arrests, but the community has been very cooperative. They said they believe they will solve the case.

Investigators have not determined a motive for the shooting. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is assisting with the case.

Owner warned of potential violence before 6 shot inside restaurant, police say Owner warned of potential violence before 6 shot inside restaurant, police say

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