Fort Worth student who was brutally attacked has heart transplant

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A girl who was viciously attacked while she walked to a school bus stop in west Fort Worth has a new heart.

Thirteen-year-old Dorika Uwimana was choked and beaten in April. Her injuries were so severe that she was initially unable to talk to investigators.

In July, her father told FOX 4 that her heart was failing. Doctors said it was damaged by the lack of oxygen during the attack.

"The heart is not working good, lungs not working, lungs working a little bit,” Twizere Buhinja said.

Dorika and her family fled violence in the Congo to seek a better life in America. Her new heart will hopefully lead her on the road to recovery. And the recent arrest of a suspect gives her family some closure.

Last month, Fort Worth police arrested Terry Wayne King, Jr. for the attack. He faces felony charges.

“She was an inspiration to find a resolve to this case. This was a senseless act, a violent act on her,” said Fort Worth Police Det. Pat Henz.