At site where son was shot, mother meets heart, lung recipients

LEXINGTON HERALD-LEADER | Karla Ward

Antonio Franklin Jr. died at age 21 after being shot at Duncan Park two years ago, but on Saturday, his heart was beating there again.

Alejandro Arreola, 31, the transplant recipient who received Franklin’s heart through organ donation, marched at the front of a Peace Walk to discourage violence in the neighborhood around the park.

With his wife and three daughters beside him, he was joined by James Roop, 48, who received Franklin’s lungs.

Franklin’s mother, Anita Franklin, held Arreola and Roop in a long embrace as she met them for the first time Saturday in the same place her son was shot. 

She started the Peace Walks soon after Antonio Franklin was shot in April 2014. He died at University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital. Police have said he was an innocent bystander to the gunfire that erupted at the park that day.Continue reading

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