Baby to get comp surgery

Cathy Scott

Friday, March 20, 1998 | 9:55 a.m.

Jacqueline Martinez, the 1-month-old baby who was hit in the face during a drive-by shooting last month, will undergo cosmetic surgery compliments of a local plastic surgeon.

Dr. George Alexander will examine the infant today for the first time, he said.

On Feb. 27, Jacqueline, now 7 weeks old, was shot in the face at East Sahara Avenue and 6th Street while riding in the back seat of her parents' car. The gunman has not been caught.

Alexander, a board certified plastic surgeon who graduated from Georgetown University's medical school, said today that he decided to do the surgery free of charge "after friends told me the child needed some help."

"At Georgetown we're taught to be compassionate," Alexander said. "I have a strong belief in service to the community and to people in general. Life has treated me well, and my feeling is that we should all not just take, but give something to other people who we can help. If it's next week or two years from now and this child needs help, I'll be able to help her."

Metro Police Sgt. Randy Sutton said he couldn't be happier. Sutton was first on the scene after the shooting and resuscitated the infant while a fellow officer drove her to University Medical Center. She was released from the hospital about a week and a half ago, a hospital spokeswoman said. Sutton said part of her lip is missing and doctors told him she'll have to have ongoing plastic and reconstructive surgery.

On Wednesday, Sutton presented Jacqueline's parents with a $19,113 check from the Las Vegas Hilton to help with the baby's hospital expenses. The money was raised during two fund-raisers held at the Las Vegas Hilton's Nightclub.

It was the first time Sutton had seen Jacqueline since she was released from the hospital, he said.

"Her mother was holding her, and Jacqueline looked up at me," Sutton said. "Her mother told her, 'He's your guardian, baby.'"