Mother expected to recover from gunshot wounds

A Carson City woman who was wounded in an apparent domestic dispute Friday is recovering thanks to the community's prayers, her daughter said Monday.

"The community reaction has been unbelievable," said Chrissy Watson, 21. "The prayers I think are what's truly going to help her heal."

Sheriff's deputies said Prisca Watson, 43, was shot by her live-in boyfriend in the garage of her East Carson City home Friday. Chrissy Watson said the gunman's name was Gerald Goldsmith, 31.

Prisca Watson suffered a gunshot wound that entered above her hip and exited near her tailbone, her oldest daughter said.

After a short chase of less than a mile from the shooting, police cornered Goldsmith on Lepire Hill off Edmonds Drive.

When Goldsmith opened fire with an AK-47 assault rifle and a pistol, a police sergeant shot him in the head. Goldsmith died a short time later at Carson-Tahoe Hospital.

Chrissy Watson said she is stunned by the number of calls the family has received while her mother is recovering in Washoe Medical Center. The volume is so great, a voice mail system has been set up at the hospital for the family.

"Every time she's awake we tell her how much everyone cares about her. It's just amazing," she said.

The elder Watson has lived in Carson City for more than 20 years, her daughter said, and has raised her four children here.

She has worked for Longs Drugs for more than eight years and has delivered the Nevada Appeal since 1996.

"We've had other carriers volunteer to do Prisca's route and they have refused payment," said Appeal circulation assistant manager Laurie Hancock.

Watson delivered about 500 a papers a day to homes in Lakeview, Silver Oaks and East Carson City.

A special bank account has been set up by family friend Mike Mead to collect funds to help offset medical expenses.

"We have just an enormous amount of customers that come in here asking about her," said friend and Long's co-worker Carolyn Messer. "She has an entire community hoping for a quick recovery.

"We're wanting to help with her expenses. I'm sure working two jobs she had a lot cover."

Chrissy Watson said her mother is aware of the shooting, but the medication she takes makes it difficult for her to remember. She said her own emotions about the death of Goldsmith are mixed.

"I'm glad that he was stopped when he was. Who knows who else he could have hurt. If it had to end like that its good that he didn't hurt anyone else," she said.

But right now, the family is focusing on getting Prisca Watson better.

"My mom is such a strong lady and she's doing so good. We're all behind her 150 percent," Chrissy Watson said of herself and three siblings. "For once, we can all be here for her."

YOU CAN HELP:

Donations can be made to the: Friends of Prisca Watson Fund,

Wells Fargo Bank Account 1016901777