Crime & Safety

A Sellout Crowd at Fundraiser for Shooting Victim

Hundreds turn out to help Kayla Allen as she fights for her life

was filled to overflowing Thursday night for a fundraiser for Kayla Allen, the only surviving victim on the April 12 shooting at Cracker Barrel in Brooklyn.

"This is incredible," said Mark Karr, a friend of the Allen family and the event organizer. "So many people have wanted to help."

All 150 tickets were sold, which means $1,500 for the Kayla Allen Benefit Fund -- plus all the money dozens of donated raffle baskets raised.

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Kayla, 10, remains in critical condition at MetroHealth Medical Center. She had been improving and before undergoing emergency surgery.

Karr declined to talk about Kayla's condition Thursday night, but a Facebook page set up for her fund says she is sedated and it will be several days before her condition is known.

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"There's nothing we can do but pray," he said.

Karr grew up on Shurmer Road across from Kate Allen and, like Kate, bought his parents' home. He said his daughter, Rebecca, and Kayla are best friends and have stayed close even though his family moved to another part of Strongsville a year ago.

He launched the Facebook page and organized the fundraiser to try to help with Kayla's financial future.

"I just felt like I had to do something to help," he said.

He added that Kayla "is blessed" to have her uncle and aunt, Carl and Michelle Jindra, taking care of her. 

"They are wonderful people," he said.

Kayla's mother, Kate, and younger sister, Kerri, 10, .

Kevin Allen, 51, reportedly upset that his marriage was ending, left the restaurant during Kerri's birthday celebration. Kate Allen , saying she was afraid of what her husband might do.

Moments after she hung up, Kevin Allen walked into the restaurant with a gun and shot his wife and two daughters, following the girls as they fled to a restroom.

A was April 19.


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