This is one of those posts that we hate to make — almost as much as an R.I.P. post — because it not only contains bad news but also the portent for even more bad news. Fans of local band The Absinthe Drinkers, brace yourselves:

Chris McDonough [pictured, vocalist in said Absinthe Drinkers] and Kim Zelnicker were mugged outside Chris’ condo last night around 1:15. Chris was shot by the mugger, who then ran off. The bullet entered his midsection. Fortunately police and medical aid arrived quickly and he was taken to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, where he underwent surgery to remove the round early this morning. Also fortunately, Kim was unhurt.
The news as of 7 PM tonight is good. Chris is obviously hurt but is out of immediate danger, and will be in the hospital for at least a few more days. More than that I do not know. At the moment he is still recovering from the wound and major surgery, and only family members are allowed to see him until at least tomorrow. According to Kim he is still on major painkillers, so the benefits of a visit would be somewhat limited anyway. As many of you know, Chris’ brother, sister and brother in law are all Philadelphia police officers, so the cops are already on this one in a big way. I have his room number at jeff, so if anyone would like to visit I will be happy to give you the number individually, but at this point a bunch of people tramping in and out of his room would be counterproductive. His parents and family are currently with him. Kim is obviously shaken up as well, but asked me to say that she is otherwise fine. Please keep them both in your thoughts and prayers.

We mention this A) obviously to offer condolences, and B) to tell all of y’all to BE CAREFUL OUT THERE, especially in the general 16th & South through 17th & Christian area, where this happened overnight. Because it’s not the first tale of hyperviolent muggings we’ve heard coming from this part of town recently. Just a few weeks ago, local writer Joshua Valocchi met a similar fate around 16th and South; fortunately, Valocchi didn’t actually get shot, but did get pistol-whipped to the point where he had stitches all over his head, all for an iPod and a pocket full of cash these fuckers were actually too stupid to grab. And there’s been more. And there will be more. So just be careful. And get well soon, Chris and Josh.

This entry was posted on Friday, November 21st, 2008 at 12:51 pm.