LEONARD GRAY

METAIRIE – Justin Dufrene may be moved from Ochsner Hospital’s intensive care unit in roughly two weeks, demonstrating signs of slow recovery. Dufrene, 18, of Luling, was hospitalized after being beaten at an Aug. 4 party in Luling. “He’s continuing to improve very slightly, but he still can’t speak,” said his aunt, Liz Dufrene. She said he is expected to need physical therapy and neurological rehabilitation for at least a year. “He looks great,” she continued, and noted his breathing tube has been removed. A permanent feeding tube is attached to his side, as he cannot swallow. He has lost 30 pounds as of his 25th day of hospitalization Thursday. Justin now bears two scars on the side of his head from the Aug. 16 surgery to relieve severe brain swelling. He was diagnosed with a skull fracture, brain trauma and internal brain bleeding after the attack. “He is improving,” she said. “I feel good when I’m here beside him.” Doctors have told the family that one thing which is helping in Justin’s recovery is he was healthy, ate well, was a non-smoker and exercised regularly. “He’d love it if he knew he was getting protein supplements,” his aunt continued. His brother, Abel, said attendants regularly sit Justin up in bed. “His eyes do open, but still with a blank stare,” Abel said. Nevertheless, Liz Dufrene said, Justin is popular with the nurses who have been charmed by the young man. Meanwhile, a fund has been established at Hibernia Bank in his name, where supporters can offer financial assistance for Dufrene’s family, who face staggering hospital costs and anticipate equally staggering rehabilitative and recovery costs. Shawn J. Trehan, 20, of Des Allemands, was charged with attempted homicide and remains in custody on a $400,000 bond was set by 29th Judicial District Judge Robert Chaisson. Another suspect, Wesley Price, 19, also of Des Allemands, was charged with being a principal to attempted homicide and also simple battery. Bond was set on Price at $200,750. Capt. Patrick Yoes of the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office said one of Dufrene’s friends attempted to stop the alleged beating and was punched by Price to keep him from breaking it up. That friend has now gone on to the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, where the pair were to have been roommates.