Succesful surgery to implant a shunt in Darren Pickerill's skull has apparantly spurred his recovery. That means the investigation led by J'Town Chief Rick Sanders is not complete, after all. Sanders tells me he hopes Pickerill will be able to tell his side of the story. Since the shooting, the prevailing wisdom has been that that would never be possible.

Coincidentally, the same day the family revealed Darren's lucidity and ability to respond to certain commands, (show the peace sign, blow me a kiss), Sanders submitted his investigation to Commonwealth Attorney Dave Stengel.

The family knows the bullet which entered Darren's brain has done plenty damage, but they also knew it would be a full year before they really knew how extensive of damage. And, even if he makes a miraculous recovery, will he even remember what happened?

Sanders tells me the last bits of information to complete the investigation were blood spatter evidence from an independent expert and forensics results from the State Police Crime Lab. Sanders revealed to me those results match the eight shell casings found at the scene to Koenig's gun. Pickerill was shot five times and I observed about the same number of bullet holes in the side of the bank building that was in Koenig's line of fire. Sanders tells me the results at least confirm that Koenig did not reload.

Regardless of anyone's view of what may have happened, it's nice to have some good news to report regarding Darren Pickerill's condition. I am being very careful not to overstate his recovery. I think that is very dangerous. For instance, you may have heard that Pickerill is "up and talking." His sister tells me he still has a tracheotomy, so he is not talking just yet. He might be mouthing some words, but - at last check - not having conversations.

When he is up to talking, I hope to have the first interview..... right after Rick Sanders.