DJ shot in face in North Philly speaks from hospital as he recovers: 'I could have died'

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A 29-year-old DJ who was shot in the face inside a North Philadelphia home is speaking out about the terrifying moments that nearly took his life as he recovers in the hospital, having lost sight in one eye and now relearning how to walk.

"I never guessed in a million years that I could take a 45 cal to the face and be here to talk about it," Christopher Butler said.

Butler spoke exclusively with Action News while recovering at Temple Hospital, just over a week after the Nov. 2 shooting on the 900 block of West Dauphin Street.

An electronic dance music DJ originally from Washington, D.C., Butler moved to Philadelphia just months ago to advance his music career. But what was supposed to be a morning of fun with fellow musicians turned into a fight for his life.

"It was supposed to just be a morning of fun. A lot of times in the music industry, DJs or people that play regular instruments, you do jam sessions," Butler said.

Sources from the District Attorney's Office said alcohol, cocaine, nitrous oxide, and ketamine were found inside the home. Butler said he had been partying overnight before deciding to take a nap in the living room around 9 a.m.

"I remember looking up and there was a barrel to my head," he recalled.

Police identified the alleged shooter as 22-year-old Jackson Roberts, a Drexel University student.

RELATED: Drexel student arrested after allegedly shooting man in head in North Philadelphia: DA Sources

According to investigators, a witness reported seeing Roberts smiling after firing the shot.

Butler said he and Roberts were associates and had never been involved in a previous altercation. He remains stunned by the violence.

"I never had any reason to think he was capable of something so heinous, and that's when my guard was down. I genuinely was going out of my way to be polite and kind to him," Butler said.

The shooting left Butler with devastating injuries. He lost sight in one eye, and the bullet remains lodged near his upper cervical vertebrae.

"I still have my motor skills, and the worst that happened was that I lost my eye and the bullets lodged in my C1 and C2 vertebrae," he said.

Instead of preparing for his next DJ performance, Butler is now focused on taking his next steps as he undergoes recovery at the hospital.

Police said Roberts was found standing alone in the backyard of the home following the shooting. He now faces numerous charges, including attempted murder.

A motive for the shooting remains unclear.

"As much as I can have sympathy for somebody's situation, he still did what he did; I could have died," Butler said.

Despite the severity of his injuries, Butler is making progress walking and hopes to be discharged from the hospital this week.

He also said he is prepared to testify if the case goes to trial. As he continues his recovery, Butler believes surviving the shooting has given him a renewed sense of purpose.

"God realized I still had work left to do on this planet," he said.