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Betty Shabazz Undergoes More Surgeries

By Newsradio 88 Staff

Betty Shabazz was in extremely critical condition today as doctors contemplated a fifth surgical procedure to replace her burned skin.

The decision on surgery depends on whether Mrs. Shabazz's condition remains stable, according to Jacobi Hospital.

Mrs. Shabazz, 61, suffered third-degree burns over 80 percent of her body in the June 1 blaze at her Yonkers apartment. Her 12-year-old grandson Malcolm, named for her assassinated husband, was accused of setting the blaze.

Mrs. Shabazz was operated on for the fourth time Sunday. In each case, she has responded well to the replacement of her burned flesh with artificial skin.

Malcolm Shabazz remains in juvenile custody. His grandfather, Malcolm X, was murdered in 1965 as Mrs. Shabazz looked on from the audience of a Harlem ballroom.