TV Reporter Survives Brutal Shooting, Vows to Inspire Others

In October 2024, TV news reporter Winnie Dortch was the victim of a brutal shooting by her daughter's father, Bryant Carter. Dortch had dropped off their child at school when Carter forced her out of her car at gunpoint and shot her five times, including in the mouth.

Dortch spent three days in the hospital, unable to speak, as she recovered from her life-threatening injuries. "I was shot in the mouth, which hurts the most because that's part of my career," she told WGN-TV. "I feel like he took something from me."

Dortch alleged that Carter had been verbally and physically abusive over the years, and that he became upset when she was offered a position at WGN-TV, leading to her move from Cleveland back to her hometown of Chicago. Despite filing a restraining order against him, Dortch later had it removed.

Now, Dortch is sharing her story publicly for the first time, hoping to inspire others who have faced similar domestic abuse situations. "I fought for my life during the relationship and at the end, at the last second," she said. "For me, I survived, and so I want to let other people know they can survive too."