Willy Turner, 41, of Kelseyville, Calif., is recovering after having undergone surgery to remove a bullet. He was wounded on Saturday, September 10, 2011, when Andrew Serrano, 38, of Kelseyville, Calif., shot him during a confrontation. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – It's been a harrowing week for a Kelseyville man wounded in a Sept. 10 shooting, but following a Thursday surgery he's said to be on his way to recovery.

Willy Turner, 41, of Kelseyville, was shot in the chest during a confrontation last Saturday, as Lake County News has reported.

The man who shot Turner, 38-year-old Andrew James Serrano, is facing attempted murder and a host of other charges for the confrontation, during which he also is alleged to have seriously assaulted his estranged wife, Lesa Serrano.

Lesa Serrano and Turner had gone to the Big Valley Road home that she formerly had shared with Andrew Serrano to pick up some items. While they were there, Andrew Serrano arrived, allegedly confronted them and shot Turner once in the chest through a glass window, according to reports on the case.

Turner was flown by air ambulance to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, where he initially spent time in the intensive care unit for his wound, according to the “Pray for Willy Turner” Facebook page set up by his family.

The page, which can be found at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pray-for-Willy-Turner/274420952585517, has amassed more than 900 “likes” in the week it's been up.

People from Lake County and beyond have posted well wishes, prayers and encouragement for Turner, a well-liked father of three who was raised in Lake County and later served in the US Marines.

According to the postings by family members, doctors have spent a good part of the week stabilizing Turner and working to stop bleeding in his chest in order to safely proceed with surgery.

That surgery finally took place on Thursday, with doctors repairing damage to Turner's lung and removing the bullet, his family reported.

On Friday he was reported to be improving, eating a regular diet, had been taken off oxygen, was walking and in good spirits. Even before surgery, when his pain was greater, Turner's family reported that his sense of humor was still evident, with him telling jokes and stories.

Friends have been asked not to visit the hospital, but are welcome to post and send messages at the Facebook page.

His family has not stated when he will be released from the hospital, but Turner is expected to return home soon.

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