Fayetteville, N.C. — A 15-year-old girl is improving after being wounded in an October shooting at Cape Fear High School outside Fayetteville.

Cumberland County Sheriff's spokeswoman Debbie Tanna said Friday that Catilyn Abercrombie has been upgraded to critical but stable condition.

Abercrombie is breathing without the aid of a mechanical respirator, Tanna said. A .22-caliber bullet is still lodged in the teen's neck near her spine.

Abercrombie was shot as she stood in a breezeway outside the cafeteria at Cape Fear High on Oct. 24.

Two other Cape Fear students – Charles Underwood, 15, and Ta'Von McLaurin, 18 – are charged in the shooting, but investigators haven't commented on a motive. They have said they don't believe Abercrombie was the target.

Meanwhile, Cape Fear High hosted a barbecue benefit Saturday to help Abercrombie's family.

The $7-a-plate barbecue began at 11 a.m. and continued until the food ran out. All supplies for the fundraiser were donated, and all proceeds are promised to Abercrombie and her family.

Abercrombie's sister said she is glad to see her improving.

"She is so strong," Meghan Abercrombie said. "She is talking. She took a few steps. And, as far as everything that everybody is doing, it's a blessing."