Doctors Say Child's Recovery After Being Shot By Mother A 'Miracle'

DENVER (CBS4)- The 3-year-old who survived after she was shot in the head by her mother is recovering remarkably well. Her doctors said it's nothing short of a miracle.

Isabel Perez was shot in the head in an early morning shooting Feb. 6. Her two siblings, Nevaeh, 4, and Eric, 1, were shot and killed by their mother, Mayra Nunez, 23, before she turned the gun on herself.

Relatives have said Mayra quarreled the night before with her husband, who left their home to cool off and found the bodies when he returned early Wednesday.

Doctors said she is doing really well considering the condition in which she arrived at Denver Health Medical Center after being shot.

The good news came recently. Just a few days ago, with consent from her family, doctors said they pulled Isabel's breathing tubes and did not know if she would survive.

She did and doctors are hopeful that's just the beginning.

When asked, "Where's your Minnie Mouse, Isabel?" by a doctor, Isabel points to the stuffed animal. She also pulls her hand away from the doctor and that feisty behavior is considered a good sign.

"She's actually recovering faster than I had expected, to be honest," said Dr. Ken Winston.

Isabel is opening her eyes and noticing people in the room. She also has a team of doctors taking care of her with her grandmother and father by her side.

"They have been here through every minute. Every hour and have been there to hold her hand, support her, talk to her and with the help of these wonderful people on the medical side do everything to get her to this point," said Dr. Margaret Clarke.

Isabel has been through three surgeries.

Her family wanted Isabel's doctor to read a statement so the community knows how thankful they are.

"Our family has been deeply touched by the support we've received from Colorado, the nation and the world. From the family in Colorado Springs who sent us pizza in the hospital to eat to the prayers and letters we've received as far away as Peru."

Doctors said Isabel is expected to survive but has a long recovery in front of her.

A fund has been set up at Wells Fargo for Isabel Perez, account # 6257187770, routing # 121000248.

The house where the bodies were found is in an industrial area near the National Western Stock Show complex.