Montclair teen fights for his life after getting shot at graduation party

MONTCLAIR, Calif. (FOX 11) - A 17-year old Montclair boy is fighting for his life Tuesday after he was shot in the head at his graduation party.

Eric Morales is in critical condition at the Pomona Valley Hospital.

"We're praying over him and waiting for the results," said his older brother Fernie dressed in his brother's favorite clothes outside the hospital. "We're hoping for the best because he's strong and he has so much love and support. I know he's going to pull through."

Two days after he graduated high school, Morales was celebrating with classmates at his best friend's house in the 100 block of West Caroline Court in Ontario.

"He was removing an aggravated person who had already been disturbing guests and this aggravated person was getting escorted out. On the way of getting escorted out, he pulled a weapon out and let some shots out and my brother was a victim of one of those shots," said Fernie.

Just before 1:00 Saturday morning, the suspect shot Eric in the head and then ran. Detectives are following a couple of leads but they have not yet released a description of the suspect.

"This is a 17-year old boy who had his whole life ahead of him and we obviously want this guy to be accountable for his actions," said Ontario Police Officer Eliseo Guerrero. "We're just asking anyone who saw anything to please contact Ontario Police Department. Investigators are using all of our resources to try to get the suspect into custody."

Morales plans to go to Mt. San Antonio College and become a businessman. His family and friends are praying he survives and can fulfill his dreams.

His family and friends held a candlelight vigil at the hospital Tuesday at 7 p.m. to pray for his recovery. They also started a GoFundMe page to help with Eric's medical expenses, https://www.gofundme.com/eric-morales039s-medical-expenses-and-recovery-fund