Man recipient of shooting victim’s lungs

CLIFTON, N.J. – Thanks to a set of transplanted lungs from a young man killed in a New Jersey church shooting, John Muscarella can breathe a little easier now.

The 21-year-old cystic fibrosis patient prepared Wednesday to leave the hospital where he was given the organs donated by the family of Dennis John Malloosseril, who was slain when he tried to break up a domestic argument in a church vestibule.

“This is really overwhelming,” Muscarella said at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, where the transplant took place. “I’ve got a whole new outlook on life. I’m definitely not taking anything for granted.”

Malloosseril was fatally shot Nov. 23, along with 24-year-old Reshma James during a confrontation with her estranged husband, Joseph Pallipurath. Within a day of the shooting, Malloosseril’s lungs had been transplanted into Muscarella, who had been given less than a 50 percent chance of surviving another two years without the operation.

“Dennis had so many friends, and he would help anyone,” said Suja Alummoottil, the slain man’s aunt. “I knew he would have wanted to help after his death.”

Muscarella has suffered for several years from cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that causes the thickening of mucus in the lungs and leads to recurring infections and pneumonia. In recent years, he was unable to walk outside without becoming short of breath.

Sean M. Studer, the hospital’s medical director of lung transplants, said Muscarella will have to remain on medication and adjust his lifestyle to avoid infections during the first year.

“I’m feeling really good now,” Muscarella said. “There’s minimal pain. Everything’s really calm, and I’m not out of breath.”

Pallipurath arrived in New Jersey on Wednesday night to face homicide and weapons charges. He is expected to be arraigned Friday, authorities said.