Megan Hiatt, who told police she was forced on Nov. 13 to hold her twin five-month-old daughters as the children's father killed them, is communicating publicly for the first time today on her own - and she wants everyone to know that she "knows her Savior Jesus Christ lives." Hiatt's mother, Melissa Bateh, spoke on her daughter's behalf soon after the accident, as reported in The Gospel Herald on Nov. 17, to convey what Hiatt said occurred.
Five bullets also struck Hiatt on the day of the tragic development. Her father, Travis Hiatt, 49, also was killed during the incident.
In a message posted today on the GoFundMe page to raise money for the burial costs for Hiatt's father and her daughters, as well as her medical expenses, the 22-year-old Jacksonville, Fla., woman thanked the 679 supporters who have donated a combined $26,473 to her campaign to date.
"First off, I want everyone to know that I know my Savior Jesus Christ lives and that my Heavenly Father has been by my side throughout this process, and I could not be doing this without that knowledge," Hiatt commented.
She said she achieved a major milestone by holding a cup and bottle in her left hand that was injured in the crossfire of the shooting incident.
"I received a skin graph in surgery this morning for my left leg that seems to be doing well. Today marked six surgeries on that leg with a total of eight surgeries. Many more to go but I know that your thoughts, prayers, and all other efforts on my behalf haven't gone unnoticed and are all greatly appreciated. They are the reason that I am alive," she said.
"Emotionally, I'm taking it one day at a time, but my thoughts are becoming more clear and when I am recovered and well, I look forward to becoming a major advocate for domestic violence issues toward women and men. XOXO - Megan Rose."
She also said the donations brought her to tears, and that because of them, her daughters were able to be buried in beautiful white coffins next to her father, who she called "our knight in shining armor."
"I don't know how to thank you for that blessing and love. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, dear friends."
Police reports indicate the twin girls' father, 28-year-old Gawain Rushane Wilson, entered Hiatt's home and killed the twins and Hiatt's father before taking his own life, leaving Hiatt the shooting spree's sole survivor.
