College Cheerleader Defies Odds with Triumphant Return After Fatal Shooting

Getting shot in the stomach or anywhere on the body has got to be one of the most painful feelings ever. Earlier this year, Payton Washington, an 18-year-old cheerleader from Texas, was shot in her friend’s car after a series of unfortunate events unfolded.

According to the reports, Payton and three of her fellow teammates at the Woodlands Elite Cheer company were making their way back home late at midnight after practice. One of her friends, Heather Roth, unknowingly opened the door of a car she assumed was hers. She sat in and quickly realized her mistake and set foot to join Payton and the others in the correct vehicle. However, things did not unfold well from there.

Young cheerleader recounts her night of horror

Heather realized her mistake after she saw Pedro Tello Rodriguez sitting in the passenger seat. Visibly irked, Pedro made his way to their car and Roth lowered the window to apologize for her mistake. He then opened fire on the young girls. Roth injured herself, but it was Payton who took the most amount of damage. He shot her three times, in the stomach, pancreas and back.

“I turned immediately with my blanket,” “I didn’t know where it was coming from or anything, but it being so loud that my ears were ringing, I knew to turn and do something.” Payton said to the media after recovering in the hospital.

They immediately fled the scene as Pedro continued to fire at them. Heather walked away with minor injuries, but they airlifted Payton to a hospital in Austin. Doctors had the hospital suspected that she wouldn’t be able to leave for months but her undying courage and spirit saw her leave the hospital in just a week.

A live wire and absolute powerhouse of an athlete, she spoke about how the transition from performing acrobatic stunts to trying to stand up and just walk was difficult to comprehend.

Life always gives the courageous a second chance

Just days before the unfortunate and fatal shooting, Payton was accepted into Baylor University and set to join the acrobatics and tumbling team. From having athletic aspirations to training how to walk and regain her strength again, the journey was tough, but she was determined to make a comeback. She did not want to dwell on the past and paid no heed to Pedro’s actions.

“He did what he did, and I’m just gonna try and get through it. There’s no point in me really thinking about what he did,” she said.

Her perseverance and positive attitude saw her attend her graduation ceremony with her friends just five weeks after the accident. Fast forward to November and the 18-year-old has made a rollicking return to the gym. She returns to the mat with Baylor teammates to the joy of her family and friends.

Her story is nothing short of inspiring and a testament to what anyone can achieve if they put their mind to it. From getting shot in the stomach in April to walking and performing acrobatic stunts in November, we must applaud her courage and will to fight!

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As for Pedro, the police arrested him the same night at his residence. They charged him with deadly conduct and a third-degree felony. Authorities initially set his bail at $500,000 but later reduced it to $100,000. He is out on bail currently and has not filed for a plea as of now.

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