Mr . Nels on is indeed conscious and can hold a limited type of conversation, much like others with a mental impediment. Considering the type of trauma he experienced, his progress is remarkable. He may never fully recover,  and may need assistance with day-to-day living,  but to hear him laugh a few times while visiting made me smile and I left feeling more positive for his future than I did a month ago. As for the Cowardly perpetrators that did this to him and the other victims that evening,  they should be put away for a very long time with no leniency.