Robbery victim: “My face was shot off – but I’ve forgiven my attacker”

When two teenage girls burst into the supermarket where Shawna Hunter-Flint, then 17, was working, she had no idea her life was about to change forever.

before after

by Emily Cope |
Published on

Horrifyingly, Shawna was held at gunpoint by 14-year-old Jerrie Jones before being shot in the face with a sawn-off shotgun.

The gunshot entered Shawna’s lower jaw and blew off her chin, lower lip and bottom teeth, as well as fracturing her upper jaw.

Jerrie Jones shot Shawna in the face during a robbery

Incredibly, Shawna survived, but for the last 23 years she has endured more than 200 operations to rebuild her face.

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Jones was sentenced to six years in prison for the attack. And incredibly - Shawna has now forgiven her.

Shawna with her family, who gave her new hope

She says: "I was angry for years after Jones shot me, but I didn't want to hang onto that anger forever and let it ruin my life. In 2013 I met on her on the tv show Dr Phil to talk about what happened, she wasn't remorseful but I still forgave her.

"It was difficult but I knew I had to so that I could move on with my life.

Obviously I wish it had never happened, but I'm not bitter. I've accepted it's part of my life."

***To read more of Shawna's shocking story, get your copy of Closer magazine out now. ***

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