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Downtown Assault Victim Speaks To Media For The First Time

Posted: Dec 15, 2012 10:30 PM by Morgan Frances - MFrances@kristv.com
Updated: Dec 15, 2012 10:47 PM


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CORPUS CHRISTI - It was two weeks ago, today, that Erik Schwirtlich became the victim of a brutal assault in downtown Corpus Christi. The 25 year old suffered a fractured skull and brain injuries after a man punched and knocked him out.

Since the incident, Schwirtlich has been recovering step-by-step. At first he wasn't able to walk or talk but early last week he started forming sentences. Today the family held a benefit in his honor; everyone cheered as he walked up to the party.

"I feel pretty good," Schwirtlich said. "kind of getting a little bit better every day," he continued.

He said he's seen the surveillance video of the assault but doesn't remember it actually happening. "I have no idea," Schwirtlich said. "No clue. I went out with some friends of mine that night and don't know what happened that night."

The benefit was a bigger turnout than expected. At $8 a plate the family raised quite a bit of money. The biggest donation, however, came from a complete stranger who gave the family $500.

"This tells you a lot about our community," said Erik Schwirtlich's older brother Brad, "This is the good side, you know, we had a tragic event but this shows you the good that's in the community. This shows you what we're capable of."

Although family says he has a long ways to go toward a full recovery, they're just happy he getting back to normal. At the benefit, Schwirtlich said there was one main message he wanted to convey, "I just want to thank everybody pretty much. Tell everybody thank you so much for all the support they've given me."

The man police arrested and charged with aggravated assault, 23-year-old Victor Perez, remains in jail on a $50,000 bond.

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