Erik Cantu was shot multiple times by then-SAPD officer James Brennand in October 2022. Credit: GoFundMe / Support for Erik Cantu

Erik Cantu Jr., the unarmed teenager last month shot and critically wounded by a now-terminated San Antonio Police Officer, has been weaned off life support, KSAT reports.

Cantu also underwent surgery to remove scar peel that formed around one of his lungs, according to a statement the family provided to the TV station. The teen “tolerated the surgery very well,” according to the statement.

Although off life support, Cantu still receives high-flow oxygen via a tracheostomy to help him breathe, KSAT reports, citing the family’s statement.

The teen’s mother, Victoria Casarez, told reporters during a press conference last month that her son was shot at least four times. The bullets “mutilated” the youth’s body, causing injury to his stomach, diaphragm, lungs, liver, bicep and forearm, she said.

James Brennand, the rookie officer involved in the incident, was fired from the force on Oct. 5 and was later charged with two counts of aggravated assault by a public servant.

Brennand is due in court Nov. 23 for a hearing, KSAT reports.

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This article appears in Nov 2-15, 2022.

Michael Karlis is a multimedia journalist at the San Antonio Current, whose coverage in print and on social media focuses on local and state politics. He is a graduate of American University in Washington,...