Friends say Madras woman’s shooting was domestic violence

Jessica Haynes, who was shot in the face more than a month ago in a Madras apartment, continues her recovery in a Portland hospital.

On Friday night, Haynes’ friends spoke publicly for the first time on her behalf.

Denise Sommers told NewsChannel 21 the shooting was a case of domestic violence.

“There are so many victims of domestic violence, and it hits close to my heart and close to home,” Sommers said.

She added that Haynes, 23, has a difficult road to recovery.

“She moves her right side, and her left eye is open,” Sommers said. “She’ll squeeze your hand two times for no and one time for yes. She’ll blink to answer questions.”

After being in the hospital for more than a month, medical bills and other expenses are beginning to pile up.

A special account has been set up at any U.S. Bank branch under Jessica Haynes’ name.

A GoFundMe account has also been created — click here for more information.

Donation jars also have been placed at The Outpost and Ding Ho in Madras, and at COREP Real Estate in Culver.

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Sommers also provided this statement:

How often do terrible things happen in the community and we hear about it and then go on with our lives? What happens to these families after the incident as we all move on with our lives? I am reaching out to the community for one of these families who are in need now, who are still struggling to cope and just make it through. I am hoping that by sharing what this family is going through we can pull together as a community to help.

On November 30th 2013 just a few blocks from the hospital in Madras, 23 year old Jessica Haynes was shot in the face by her boyfriend. Jessica has been fighting for her life since then.

Jessica recently was moved to a specialty hospital in Portland and started physical therapy the 31st. She will be doing physical therapy and occupational therapy rotating every other day. Jessica currently can move her right side, use her left eye, she can squeeze your hand and blink her eye in answer to a question. She is unable to turn her head and left side is not movable.

Jessica has had a fever and a touch of pneumonia all through this fight. Daily is a battle for Jessica and her family. This is going to be a long road to recovery, but her parents are staying strong, positive, and by her side all along the way.

Jessica Haynes is far from just another name in the paper. She is a beautiful, strong woman that has been a part of the Madras community her entire life. Both Jessica and her Father work at school in Madras. Her brother in law has been a dedicated law enforcement officer for many years. These are people that we interact with daily, they see our children and pass us in the stores.

We as a community can help this family by relieving them of some of the financial stress they may have and let them focus on Jessica and her recovery by donating to them thru any Us Bank under Jessica Haynes, their is a gofundme account set up on Facebook (see link above), there are donation jars at The Outpost and Ding Ho in Madras and COREP real estate in Culver.

The family is also welcoming community support for Jessica for those who would like to attend a court hearing on the matter. January 16th at 10am Thomas Knapp will be appearing in court in the Jefferson county Courthouse. Please reach out to support any way that you can.