War Veteran, 84, Dies After 'Senseless' Drive-By Shooting Leaves Him Paralyzed

An 84-year-old war veteran in Texas was shot in the back while out for a stroll, an ordeal that left him paralyzed from the waist down — and eventually killed him.

Sam Wingate was taking an early-morning walk on August 15 when he was attacked, according to the Baytown Police Department. At around 6:20 a.m., someone randomly shot him while driving by. Wingate, a Navy veteran of the Korean War, was transported to the hospital for his injuries.

He had surgery and was left partially paralyzed, police said, unable to move anything below his waist.

Optimistically, Wingate told doctors that his paralysis was temporary, and he would be on his feet again in no time.

That was, unfortunately, not the case, and Wingate died from his injuries on Sunday.

Baytown police called shooting a cowardly, tragic act.

Police have been working the case hard, reviewing video and looking for clues. They've even increased the reward for information on the crime from $5,000 to $20,000.

Detectives released a video recently of a light-colored four-door sedan they think belongs to the suspect. It could possibly be a Chevrolet, police said, and it might be missing a front license plate. Police hope someone will recognize the vehicle and reach out to them.

They've received several tips so far, though none have been fruitful, investigators said.

Detectives have been interviewing Wingate's family and friends to see if anyone can give them any information or insight at all — especially to see if there's anyone specifically who may have wanted to hurt him, according to KTRK-TV in Houston.

Wingate was known as a caring man who treated everyone in the neighborhood with kindness, KTRK reported.

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