News Channel 7 Continues Coverage of the Blanton Family

By Steven Jones
Web Content Coordinator
Published: September 9, 2008

Latest News on the Blanton Family:
Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008:
Michaela Blanton releases new photos of her son Tye.

Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008:
Michaela Blanton issues a statement to the media about her son Tye’s condition. Tye is being transferred to Duke University’s Children’s Hospital. He has finally gained enough weight to be eligible for heart surgery.

Friday, July 25, 2008:
WAYNESVILLE, N.C.  - The man charged with killing a North Carolina state trooper appeared in court today for a hearing. Edwardo Wong the third of Ormond Beach, Florida, is charged with first-degree murder in Trooper David Shawn Blanton Junior’s death. For the complete story, click here.

Thursday, July 24: Michaela Blanton, widow of slain Tooper David Shawn Blanton Jr., spoke to the media at Mission Hospital in Asheville Thursday, including reporters from News Channel 7.

Michaela was in ICU with her newborn son Tye when she found out that her husband had been hurt in the line of duty. She told us that she fell out on the floor in front of her son when she found out.

She told us she thought he was okay at first but then she found out he was dead.





She talks about Tye and about having one parent in heaven.

With her son recovery from surgery, she was clearly worried about how he was doing.

“If Shawn needs him more than me, then I’ll give him up to his dad,” she said.





She says her son Tye is hanging in there after surgery, and while speaking she was visibly emotional.

For the complete story, click here.

To see Michaela’s full statement to the media on Shawn’s condition, released July 23, click here.

For an earlier update on the trial of Edwardo Wong, the man accused of killing Trooper Blanton, click here.

For cell phone video of Tye and his father, click here.

For photos on Snap!, wspa.com’s photo sharing service of the Blanton’s and Baby Tye, click here.

Read News Channel 7 Anchor Amy Wood’s blog entry on the Blanton Family, with additional photogrpahs, here.

Donate to funds raising money for the Blantons.

Read about community efforts to support the Blantons.