Sons of Azrael Guitarist Paralyzed From the Waist Down

Sad news out of Buffalo, N.Y. as WIVB reports that promising guitarist and integral member of metal band Sons of Azrael, Tony Lorenzo, has been paralyzed from the waist down. He was walking with a friend around 10:30PM last Wednesday night (Oct. 26) in Buffalo's Elmwood Village when he was accosted by an armed robber.

"The kid asked me, he said, 'Give me what you got.' And before I could even get my wallet out, he just shot me," Lorenzo told Buffalo's News 4. "I was robbed. I can't feel my legs right now."

The 25-year-old was shot in the back. The bullet lodged itself deeply in Lorenzo's spinal column, paralyzing the use of his legs. Speaking from a hospital bed, the musician spoke of Buffalo's mayor, Byron Brown, who personally visited the seriously injured guitarist, vowing to "spare no expense" in catching the gunman.

"I'm not a gang banger," Lorenzo continued. "I'm not someone who owes anyone money. I don't start beefs. I'm just a normal guy, you know? I work at Pano's Restaurant." Doctors are waiting for swelling to go down before they can remove the bullet from Lorenzo's spine. Local musicians have begun organizing fundraisers in support of their fallen friend.

Even though the ability to walk has been taken from him, Lorenzo isn't going to leave his beloved hometown. "I'm not going run away from my town. I'm not going to up and move away. I want people on the West side to realize this stuff is happening and to look out for each other."

Thanks to MetalInsider.net for the heads up on this story. According to MetalSucks.net, a PayPal account (helpingtony@gmail.com) has been set up to help pay for Lorenzo's medical expenses.