At the Lake: Shooting victim gets neck surgery, remains critical

Eric Domingo, the South Tahoe High School graduate who was shot in the face Saturday morning, underwent about seven hours of surgery Tuesday to repair the vertebral artery in the back of his neck where the bullet exited, Domingo's oldest sister, Heather Gleaton, said Wednesday afternoon.

Shortly before 8 a.m. Saturday, a single bullet from a 9mm semiautomatic pistol hit Domingo below the eye before exiting the back of his neck, according to police and family members. The incident happened at a house on Tamarack Avenue where Domingo, 21, and former STHS basketball teammate Casey Curcie-Crummett were visiting.

Curcie-Crummett, 20, of South Lake Tahoe was arrested on suspicion of assault with a firearm after the incident. He subsequently was released from jail on $30,000 bail, officials said.

Police still are investigating the circumstances of the shooting and want to speak with Domingo before offering details, officials said Tuesday.

Gleaton explained that the family was waiting for confirmation on the outcome of Domingo's surgery before offering more information. They expected to learn more about the success of the surgery Wednesday night, Gleaton said.

Domingo had not awakened from the surgery as of Tuesday night and remained in critical condition Wednesday afternoon, Gleaton added.

"We've spoken to him, but he hasn't talked with us," Gleaton said. "He has breathing tubes down his throat, and we didn't want him to be stressed trying to gesture to us. We tell him we love him and that we'll be back tomorrow."

The family has established an account at El Dorado Savings Bank in South Lake Tahoe to help pay Domingo's medical costs.

"He has a long road ahead of him if he recovers, and I just hope and pray for him," Gleaton said Wednesday. "He's my baby brother, and I'd do anything for him."