A Newberg teenager shot in the head twice earlier this week is recovering because the bullets did not penetrate his skull, doctors said Wednesday.

Rodolfo Veneroso-Santiago, 16, was beaten and shot during a fight near a Newberg elementary school just after 10 p.m. Monday night, police said.

He was flown in a Life Flight helicopter to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland with two gunshot wounds to his head.

The suspects, two 16-year olds and one 17-year-old, appeared in court Wednesday. They will remain locked up.

Tuesday night, detectives found a 357-magnum hidden in a paint bucket at the nearby Zion Lutheran Church. Police were trying to determine whether that was the gun used in the shooting.

Edwards Elementary School

How events unfolded

A neighbor in the area of South College and East Ninth Streets near Edwards Elementary School in Newberg called to report four or five people fighting. That person said they heard a gunshot.

When officers reached the scene, they found Santiago but his attackers were gone. Detectives were looking for possible gang ties.

Later Tuesday morning, police arrested two 16-year olds and one 17-year-old on charges including attempted assault and attempted robbery.

Investigators were hopeful more neighbors and potential witnesses will come forward with additional information that would help in the case.