Full Version | Mobile Newscast
WTRF Home

WTRF Supports | McDonald's Breakfast Club | In Wheeling Magazine | Win Cedar Point Tickets | Greenbrier Classic

HOME  |   NEWS   |   WEATHER   |   SPORTS   |   LIFESTYLES   |   OPINION   |   COMMUNITY   |   PROGRAMMING   |   DECISION MAKERS  |  YOUNEWS   |   ABOUT WTRF   |   CONTACT WTRF
What's On WTRF-DT Now?Full Listings
7:00 AM:  The Saturday Early Show  
9:00 AM:  Noonbory and the Super 7  

Home > News > Ohio County

Print this story RSS
Ohio County Victim of Shooting Worries About Future
Posted Friday, April 18, 2008 ; 10:59 AM | View Comments | Post Comment
Updated Saturday, April 19, 2008; 11:49 PM


Jim Siburt is still recovering from his wounds and speaks out during Crime Victims week.

By Stacy Rich
Email | Bio | Other Stories by Stacy Rich

WHEELING -- The trial and sentencing is over, and now one victim of crime in Ohio County struggles to stay afloat.

This is the story of Jim Siburt, a Rent-A-Center truck driver who was shot while at work.

October 6, 2005, Siburt and a co-worker arrived at a home in Triadelphia to pick up a television set.

The homeowner, Charlie Brown, pulled out a gun and shot at the two men, seriously injuring Siburt in the abdomen and the right shoulder.

That was the last day of Siburt's 13-year career at Rent-A-Center and the first day of a long recovery.

Three years and multiple surgeries later, Siburt is still suffering from the events of that day.

He says he can't be in public places without serious anxiety and he has nightmares weekly.

He has been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder and depression.

He doesn't have use of his right hand and now has arthritis in his shoulder.

He has hand therapy at Wheeling Hospital at least three days a week and has made great strides.

He said those injuries keep him from working as he did before.

He said his long-term disability insurance will no longer pay because the insurance company claims he could work.

"Yeah, I could probably get a job as a greeter at Wal-Mart, but then I lose all my compensation, my disability and all that and I'm working for minimum wage and I'm not going to be able to. I shouldn't have to do that. I worked my life to get my house that I have. I shouldn't have to lose that," said Siburt.

Siburt has a wife and two small boys, ages 8 and 4.

When asked if is he still has anger toward the man who shot him, Siburt said no. He said he has forgiven Charlie Brown, who is now serving a 23 to 50 year sentence for the crime.

Siburt said his anger now comes from a different place. He can't do yard work or play catch with his boys.

"Those are the things that irritate me. The simple things. I wear my Velcro shoes because it's hard to tie my shoes. Just things people take for granted," said Siburt.

He said he wants to get back to work and to his life before that day in 2005, but he knows that's just a dream.

Jim said his family has been a big support system for him, but every day is stressful.

Jim has started an online victims support network. For more information, check it out at the link below.

Related Links:
   - Victims of Crime Website

Copyright 2010 West Virginia Media. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Most Popular Stories on WTRF.com Most Discussed Stories on WTRF.com

User Comments [ post comment ]
0 comments have been posted.
Post Your Comments
All fields are Required
Name: 
Email: 
  A valid email address is required to allow WTRF-TV to monitor comments and track users posting inappropriate comments. WTRF-TV does not use these for any type of SPAM operation.
Comments: 
Security Code: 
Enter the code exactly as you see it above.

NOTE: You may refresh the page to load a new Confirmation Code if this one is unreadable.
 
I have read and agree to the WTRF Commenting Policy
NOTE: It is unlawful to disclose personal information, including names, of minors under 18 involved in any criminal action.
 

Other Ohio County Categories


  • Wheeling

  •   Family of Daughter Killed in Car Accident Meets Organ Recipient for First Time
      License May Be Renewed for Local Mental Health Facility
       
  • Wheeling Tunnel

  •   Wheeling Tunnel Could Reopen Sooner Than Originally Planned
      Accident in Construction Zone on I-70 Ties Up Traffic
       

    This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.


    © West Virginia Media Holdings, LLC
    WBOY-TV I WOWK-TV I WTRF-TV I WVNS-TV I Your ABC I ABC Ohio Valley
    FOX Ohio Valley | FOX WV | The State Journal | Country Roads Journal
    Closed Captioning Issues? | Public File | Privacy Policy


    Site Development and Hosting By Citynet
    Citynet