LAFAYETTE — "He said at first the guy was very nice to him, and that's why he was surprised when everything turned ugly," Rayette Gaspard told KATC on Thursday.
Gaspard is Holden White's mother.
Lafayette Police say they are continuing to investigate Holden's case, and after consulting the DA's office, they say it is a possibility the suspect could face additional charges.
His mother says 18-year-old White is awake and talking, but will likely face long-term effects from the stabbing.
"He's in the ICU unit. I could not ask for better care, very nice people, very great at their job. He feels safe there at the moment," Gaspard said.
Gaspard says White is now off the ventilator and feeding tubes and is talking.
"From the strangulation, his voice is very weak, but he is getting stronger each day," Gaspard added.
When Holden regained consciousness, he wasn't sure what was happening, his mother explained.
"He remembers bits and pieces of it. I was hoping he didn't remember any of it," Gaspard added.
White suffered from multiple stab wounds in the neck, cuts on his wrist, and a wound on the back of his head. The long-term effects of White's injuries are unknown at this time.
"He's upset about his arms. They un-bandaged his arms, and he said, 'mom I can't use my arms, and I won't be able to for a very long time.' I said, it'll be okay, physical therapy, really good doctors. It will be okay."
The suspect in the case, 19-year-old Chance Seneca, is charged with attempted second degree murder. The family is worried he'll be able to post bond.
"My fear is that he goes back to finish what he started with my son. That's my fear," Gaspard said.
The family is hoping the FBI joining the case will lead to hate crime charges.
"It's scary. He fantasized about this for a long time, to my understanding. He followed through."
T-shirts and stickers have been made to support Holden.To purchase, click here.
Read more:
UPDATE: Mother of stabbing victim looking for answers
Friends of Holden White believe attack was a planned 'hate crime'
Victim in weekend stabbing recovering, family says; suspect remains in custody
